Maori Korowai Cloak: Weaving Heritage & Meaning

The Korowai: A Living Taonga

The korowai is one of the most prestigious Maori garments, a hand-woven cloak adorned with feathers, tassels, and natural fibers. Classified as a taonga (treasure), each korowai carries the mana of its weaver and wearer.

Materials and Techniques

Traditional korowai are woven from harakeke (New Zealand flax) using the whatu aho poka technique — a finger-weaving method passed down through generations. Feathers from native birds like the kereru (wood pigeon) and toroa (albatross) are incorporated row by row.

Types of Korowai

• Kahu huruhuru — fully feathered cloaks for ceremonies
• Korowai karure — decorated with curled tassels
• Kahu kiwi — adorned with kiwi feathers, the most prestigious

Cultural Significance Today

Korowai are worn during graduations, weddings, tangi (funerals), and official ceremonies. They symbolize achievement, respect, and connection to ancestors. Modern weavers continue the tradition through wananga (learning workshops) across Aotearoa.

Caring for a Korowai

These garments require careful preservation — stored flat in acid-free tissue, away from direct sunlight, and handled with clean hands. Many families treat their korowai as heirlooms passed down through whanau lines.