Cloak

A korowai (cloak) made of muka (processed New Zealand flax). The cloak is rectangular with dark brown/black hukahuka (tassels) top and bottom, and along the edges. Tassels are also spaced in rows across the surface. The edge with the longer, thick fringe is the top; the fringe would hang down when worn.

Korowai is a flax cloak that originated from a practical rain cape. The korowai became a more elaborate garment, often adorned with hukahuka (long cords of rolled muka fiber) or pokinikini, cylindrical strands of dried harakeke with intervals of black-dyed muka. A korowai can be worn in three primary styles: draped evenly over both shoulders and fastened at the chest; wrapped beneath one arm and secured at the opposite shoulder; or laid across a single shoulder and tied at the other.