Korowai - Tino Rangatiratanga

Korowai - Tino Rangatiratanga

Size: 1m x 1m

Contemporary Korowai - Kahu huruhuru Kakahu. Inspired by the colours of the Maori flag.

Māori cloaks are most commonly worn on special occasions, whether a significant hui and coming together of people, or significant graduation, birthday or tangi. The cloaks hold stories of our history or whānau [family] and whakapapa [genealogy]. They’re held in the highest regard and worn with the highest form of respect, prestige, and honor.

Our Korowai are handmade in Auckland by machine stitching feathers onto a lined fabric base. The feather wrap around the front edge to complete the look. A traditional handwoven one takes many weeks to complete and costs significantly more. A modern Korowai offers better durability and more colours. Inspiration for the colour and designs from our local fauna and flora. We use beautiful farmed chicken and rooster feathers, some of which have been dyed to create the amazing colour range available in our Korowai selection. Our Korowai have drawstring ties so you can alter the width to fit the wearer. We try to keep a small stock but you should allow a week for production.

The taniko trim has also been woven from wool in NZ. This design is the Manaia and Wairua (spirit) design. It shows the Manaia with poutama (stairway to heaven) above and below. The Manaia is sitting in the Wharenui (ancestral meeting house) symbolizing the bringing of iwi, whanau, and cultures together.

Description:

The Korowai - Tino Rangatiratanga is a remarkable handcrafted Māori cloak that embodies the spirit of sovereignty, pride, and the enduring fight for independence. Named after the concept of Tino Rangatiratanga, which translates to "self-determination" or "absolute sovereignty," this Korowai represents the empowerment of the Māori people and their right to self-governance. It is a symbol of Māori leadership, cultural identity, and the continued effort to uphold the authority of the iwi (tribes) and hapū (sub-tribes).

Made using traditional Māori weaving techniques, the Korowai - Tino Rangatiratanga is crafted from muka (flax fiber) and feathers, handwoven with precision and care by skilled artisans. Each Korowai carries the significance of Māori resilience and pride, woven into every thread and feather. The rich colors and intricate designs reflect the strength and dignity of the Māori people, making this cloak not only a beautiful piece of cultural art but also a powerful symbol of unity, resistance, and cultural survival.

Whether worn for ceremonial purposes, displayed as a proud symbol of Māori sovereignty, or gifted to someone who shares a passion for Māori heritage, the Korowai - Tino Rangatiratanga is a poignant reminder of the ongoing journey for Māori empowerment and self-determination.

Key Points:

• Inspired by Tino Rangatiratanga: Represents Māori sovereignty, self-determination, and the cultural pride of the Māori people.
  
• Handcrafted Excellence: Made from muka (flax fiber) and adorned with feathers, each Korowai is woven by skilled Māori artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
  
• Cultural and Political Symbolism: This Korowai serves as a powerful symbol of Māori leadership, cultural identity, and the continued fight for Māori autonomy and governance.
  
• Natural and Sustainable Materials: Crafted from sustainable flax and feathers, honoring the Māori value of respecting nature and the environment.
  
• Exclusivity and Uniqueness: Each Korowai is individually crafted, making every piece one-of-a-kind and rich in cultural significance.
  
• Ideal for Ceremonies and Gifting: Perfect for ceremonial occasions, cultural celebrations, or as a meaningful gift that honors Māori culture and history.
  

Benefits:

• Cultural Empowerment: The Korowai - Tino Rangatiratanga is a powerful tool for cultural empowerment, connecting the wearer to the rich traditions and sovereignty of the Māori people.
  
• Symbol of Unity and Strength: Represents Māori unity, pride, and resilience, making it a meaningful garment for those who identify with Māori heritage or the cause of self-determination.
  
• Spiritual and Physical Protection: Traditionally, Korowai were worn as protective garments, offering both spiritual and physical protection to the wearer.
  
• Crafted with Tradition: Handcrafted by skilled artisans, the Korowai incorporates traditional Māori weaving methods, ensuring that each piece is culturally authentic and artistically beautiful.
  
• Sustainability: Made with eco-friendly materials like flax and feathers, the Korowai aligns with Māori values of respecting and nurturing the environment.
  
• A Meaningful Gift: The Korowai - Tino Rangatiratanga is a thoughtful gift for those who wish to honor Māori culture, the fight for self-determination, and the leadership of the Māori people.
  

Why You Should Choose This Korowai:

The Korowai - Tino Rangatiratanga is more than a garment; it is a powerful symbol of Māori sovereignty and cultural identity. Tino Rangatiratanga represents the Māori people’s right to govern themselves and protect their land, language, and traditions. This Korowai allows the wearer to celebrate that sovereignty and carry with them the strength and dignity of the Māori people.

Whether used in cultural ceremonies, as a personal statement of pride, or given as a meaningful gift, the Korowai - Tino Rangatiratanga is the perfect choice for anyone who wishes to connect with the Māori heritage and honor the ongoing journey for self-determination. It is a tribute to the resilience of Māori communities and the sovereignty they continue to fight for.

Conclusion:

The Korowai - Tino Rangatiratanga is an exceptional piece of Māori cultural heritage that speaks directly to the heart of sovereignty and self-determination. Handcrafted with care and respect for Māori traditions, it is more than just a garment; it is a symbol of the enduring fight for the rights of Māori people to govern themselves and protect their cultural identity.

This Korowai is a beautiful representation of Māori leadership, resilience, and pride, making it a meaningful piece for ceremonial purposes, as a cultural gift, or as a stunning display of Māori culture. By wearing or displaying the Korowai - Tino Rangatiratanga, you honor the Māori people’s connection to their land, their history, and their enduring pursuit of self-governance.