Story: Māori clothing and adornment – kākahu Māori

Zoom in to see details of this magnificent and unusual kaitaka huaki. These cloaks typically have two bands of tāniko around three sides. This example has had an extra, narrower, band added later on the fourth side. The tāniko includes brightly coloured wool, together with traditional colours and materials. The original cloak was made in the early 19th century. About 100 years later the extra tāniko was added, and also strips of cured angora goat hide, with their long wavy hair attached, in place of the dogskin that would have been used in earlier times.