Story: Ngā manu – birds

Feather cloak

This kahu huruhuru (feather cloak), made in the late 19th century, uses the feathers of kererū (New Zealand pigeons) and kākā. The red kākā feathers were valued for their beauty, and because red was associated with chiefs. Listen to the call of the kākā.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: MA_B018768

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Sound file from Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision – Radio New Zealand collection. Any re-use of this audio is a breach of copyright. To request a copy of the recording, contact Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision (New Zealand birds/Reference number T7702)

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Kelly Keane-Tuala, 'Ngā manu – birds - Symbols of status', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/natural-sounds/12146/feather-cloak (accessed 28 March 2024)

Story by Kelly Keane-Tuala, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015