Traditional Maori cloaks, or korowai, are made from natural materials such as feathers, flax leaves, and sometimes dog hair. These materials are intricately woven together to create intricate patterns and designs that hold cultural significance.
During Matariki, Maori may wear traditional clothing like korowai (cloaks) made from natural fibers such as flax or feathers. The colors and designs of the cloaks often signify identity, status, or cultural lineage. Maori may also wear piupiu (flax skirts) or woven garments during Matariki celebrations.
Maori dyes are traditionally used by the Maori people of New Zealand to dye clothing, cloaks, and other textile materials. These dyes are derived from natural sources such as plants, minerals, and insects, and are used to create intricate designs and patterns that hold cultural significance.
The Maori mostly wore garments made from harakeke (FLAX). skirts and minor upper body protection were constructed from this material. they also wore korowai (cloaks) made from bird feathers such as the moa, kiwi and the Kereru (Wood Pigeon) foot cloths were woven from harakeke. as hunter gathers the animal hides were treated for protection pieces during war .
Māori always regarded the kiwi as a special bird. They knew it as 'te manu huna a Tāne', the hidden bird of Tāne, god of the forest. Kiwi feather cloaks (kahu kiwi), originally made by sewing kiwi skins together, were taonga (treasures) usually reserved for chiefs. Kiwi feathers, now woven into flax cloaks, are still valued. Māori also ate kiwi, preserving them in the birds' fat, and steaming them in a hāngī (earth oven).
Te Reo Maori is the indigenous language of the Maori people of New Zealand. It is an official language of the country alongside English, and efforts are being made to revitalize and preserve it. Te Reo Maori is an important aspect of Maori culture and identity.
flax and cloaks
cloaks of native bird feathers.
During Matariki, Maori may wear traditional clothing like korowai (cloaks) made from natural fibers such as flax or feathers. The colors and designs of the cloaks often signify identity, status, or cultural lineage. Maori may also wear piupiu (flax skirts) or woven garments during Matariki celebrations.
Royal cloaks were made of bird feathers. Queen Ka'ahumanu's name means cloak of bird feathers.
Roman cloaks were made of wool.
Maori dyes are traditionally used by the Maori people of New Zealand to dye clothing, cloaks, and other textile materials. These dyes are derived from natural sources such as plants, minerals, and insects, and are used to create intricate designs and patterns that hold cultural significance.
The Maori mostly wore garments made from harakeke (FLAX). skirts and minor upper body protection were constructed from this material. they also wore korowai (cloaks) made from bird feathers such as the moa, kiwi and the Kereru (Wood Pigeon) foot cloths were woven from harakeke. as hunter gathers the animal hides were treated for protection pieces during war .
The Maori mostly wore garments made from harakeke (FLAX). skirts and minor upper body protection were constructed from this material. they also wore korowai (cloaks) made from bird feathers such as the moa, kiwi and the Kereru (Wood Pigeon) foot cloths were woven from harakeke. as hunter gathers the animal hides were treated for protection pieces during war.
Maori do not wear masks.
Cloaks can be made out of various materials, including wool, cotton, velvet, or synthetic fabrics like polyester. The choice of material can determine the weight, warmth, and overall look of the cloak.
Māori always regarded the kiwi as a special bird. They knew it as 'te manu huna a Tāne', the hidden bird of Tāne, god of the forest. Kiwi feather cloaks (kahu kiwi), originally made by sewing kiwi skins together, were taonga (treasures) usually reserved for chiefs. Kiwi feathers, now woven into flax cloaks, are still valued. Māori also ate kiwi, preserving them in the birds' fat, and steaming them in a hāngī (earth oven).
Traditionally they wore flax skirts (piu-piu) and cloaks made from dog fur and/or feathers. Also woven bodices for women. Shells such as paua were used for decoration. Bird feathers were used to adorn and sometimes worn in the hair (which may be tied in a bun). The cloaks often represented status and respect (such as chieftanship) and are valued items. Today, Maori wear clothes that most people throughout the world wear - shorts, trousers, t-shirts, singlets, jandals, sneakers and whatever is in fashion or comfortable! Traditional clothing is still worn on special occasions and ceremonies, and in Maori performance groups (kapa haka).