Topic: Styles of Maori cloak Kahu kurï (dog skin cloak), 1800's, New Zealand. Maker unknown. Gift of W L Buller, 1913. Te Papa Matekino Lawless and Toi Te Rito Maihi examine a kaitaka during the weavers’ wananga at Te Papa, August 2007, May 2012, Te Papa Related Videos Māori weavers made many types of cloak, from rugged rain capes to garments of great prestige. They developed new styles and techniques over time, weaving in materials introduced by European settlers. Is part of topic What is a kakahu? Kahu kuri style of cloak Kahu kuri (dog-skin cloaks) were the most prestigious Maori cloaks until the mid 1800s, when the kuri (Pacific dog) became extinct. Find out why these cloaks were so prized, how they were made, and by whom. more> Kaitaka style of cloak Kaitaka are the fine flax cloaks of chiefs, made from top-quality muka (flax fibre) and bordered with taniko (geometric patterning). Woven into them is a story of great artistry and innovation. more> Kahu huruhuru style of cloak Maori treasure kahu huruhuru (feather cloaks) for their beauty and skilful construction – and also because birds are seen as messengers from the spiritual realm. These cloaks became prestigious from the mid 1800s. more> Korowai style of cloak Korowai are fine flax cloaks decorated with tassels. Find out how this elegant style developed from the functional rain cape, and be introduced to a few key forms. more> Kahu toi style of cloak Kahu toi are prestigious warrior capes made of leaf fibre from the hardy toi (mountain cabbage tree). Discover what gives them their status and how they are made. more> Pake style of cloak Learn about the cloaks that Maori developed to survive New Zealand’s cold climate - pake, or rain capes. more> Kahu koati style of cloak Kahu koati (goat-hair cloaks) exemplify how innovative Maori weavers adopted new European materials for their own purposes. more> Related objects