kahu huruhuru

Maori feathered cloak.

The base of the cloak was made from f;ax fibre (muka) which had been washed, bleached to almost white and softened. The fibres would then be rolled together until a long yarn was formed, which was then woven into the large rectangle, shaped at the shoulders and hips. On to this was fastened the feathers, the most prized ones being those of the huia and kiwi ( especially the rare white albino kiwi).