Korowai 2.58

Naumai Naumai kotou katoa.
The wearing of Korowai by early Maori was for warmth and to keep dry during the rainy seasons, but they later became symbols of rank within some tribes. The best feathers (kiwi, kea, bellbird) and dog pelts were reserved for the chief and elders otherwise harakeke (flax) and feathers were the main materials used in the making of Korowai.
The korowai designs often tell stories that the weaver (usually women) wanted to be made known. The great love story of Tutanekai placing the Korowai around his beloved Princess Hinemoa was his way of showing his great love and respect for her. The Korowai Ceremony becomes a living and unique romantic gesture, one that reinforces a husband and wife's mutual love and respect to one another. The placing of the Korowai (Cloak of Love) around the woman depicts his love that will surround her for the rest of her life. Nowadays this custom is still performed by many couples at their weddings or anniversaries.
The parts of Korowai:
Whenu - The long vertical strings that make the length of the Korowai - short for whenua (land or earth) it is also the name of the placenta or after birth.
Taniko - The band at the top of the Korowai - This is usually where the story the weaver wants to incorporate in the Korowai is told.
Feathers - Pre European Kiwi, Kea, Bellbird and Moa were used. Nowadays chicken, duck and artificial feathers are used because of the rarity of Kiwi, Bellbird, Kea and Moa.
Aho - The horizontal chord that binds the Feathers, Whenu and Taniko together
The Spirituality of Korowai
The making of the Korowai begins when using special knots the Aho ties the Feathers and the Taniko to the Whenu. The name Whenu is short for Whenua which translated can mean earth or land. The Whenua or mother earth (Papatuanuku) is that which sustains us after birth but Whenua is also the name for the placenta or after birth which is what sustains us before birth. In addition one of the older name for Whenua is Io the omnipotent one or the creator so when you put your korowai on, it symbolises you being connected to and sustained by mother earth and that you are safe under the covering of Io the Creator who is as close to you as your own skin. The feathers keep you warm and connect you to the life of mother earth through the bird feathers and the dog pelts. All of these elements are what you live amongst and learn from and having learnt the wisdoms that they have imparted to you, you then hand that knowledge on and ensure it passes from generation to generation. It is all there when you put you korowai on leaving you with the sense of being connected to the essence of life itself.
The Korowai also speaks of a person's honour, dignity, respect and stability, character traits that prophesy the future of the wearer. It is worn with much pride and expectation. Today, Korowai are reserved for special occasions and celebrations such as graduations and investitures and are sometimes gifted to foreign dignitaries such as The Queen and her family.
The Korowai on this site are for sale. We make them to size and design and the prices displayed will give you a ball park figure of your customized korowai after the fitting.
We look forward to hearing from you.