Story: Māori clothing and adornment – kākahu Māori

Kākāpō-feather cloak

Kākāpō-feather cloak

Some 11,000 kākāpō feathers adorn this remarkable cloak, probably made in the early 19th century. Kākāpō-feather cloaks are rare, and were worn by people of high status. This example is held in Perth Museum, Scotland. It is thought to be the only cloak fully covered in kākāpō feathers held by a museum.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: MA_I278949

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

Copyright and courtesy of the Perth Museum & Art Gallery, Perth & Kinross council, Scotland

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How to cite this page:

Awhina Tamarapa and Patricia Wallace, 'Māori clothing and adornment – kākahu Māori - Adapting to new lands and climate', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/40987/kakapo-feather-cloak (accessed 27 April 2024)

Story by Awhina Tamarapa and Patricia Wallace, published 5 Sep 2013