Joyful Homecoming for Precious Maori Cloak

Tears of joy and jubilation were shed at the welcoming of a historic Maori cloak back home to Wairarapa yesterday afternoon.

The 19th century woven cloak, or korowai, originally belonged to Wairarapa iwi and had been stored in the Rochester Historical Society collection in the United States for more than 100 years.

Since appearing for sale online at the start of the year, the korowai has been in hot demand by Wairarapa iwi who wanted it returned to the area.

However, the cloak sold to a Nelson man instead via Trade Me for a profit of almost $6000.

Wairarapa List MP Marama Fox was at the centre of negotiations with the successful Nelson-based buyer, who had received the precious taonga from Auckland "squashed in a box, and wrapped in some bubble wrap".

Yesterday, Aratoi Museum of Art and History curators wore white gloves and an expression of utmost respect to gently fold back the strands of the cloak for public viewing.

"There was some debate about how much we should negotiate to bring it home from Nelson," Ms Fox said. "A gentleman offered $20,000 for it, but the Nelson man knew that the people who were offering that money were wanting it as an art piece to hang on a wall. But for us, it meant so much more."

The amount paid to bring the taonga home was not disclosed, but it is believed the combined bid from Rangitane, Ngati Kahungunu, and Aratoi was a price worth paying.

"It's absolutely overwhelming and almost indescribable the value that this has to our people," Ms Fox said.

"The greatest thing we have is the reconnection with our ancestors who are definitely here in spirit and here today to see her come home."

Ms Fox said the korowai, which was shaped to the shoulder with darting, was a priceless example of expert weaving which is not seen today.

She said korowai made today are usually square and that this korowai was "a bit wider in the hips so it must be made for me".

"The effort and the time and the amount of harakeke that is involved in making her will be a beacon and example for the future," she said.

"It will connect us with our whenua and it will connect us with our ancestors and be an example for our young people to restore and revive these traditions."

Wairarapa iwi representatives, who collected the korowai from the Nelson Provincial Museum where it was being cared for before its return, lovingly named the cloak Hine Muka.

SOURCE