Common Everyday Wear:
* Kākahu: This was the most common garment, a cloak made from flax (harakeke) fibers. It was often worn over the shoulders and could be fastened at the neck with a cord.
* Piupiu: A short, fringed skirt made from flax fibers, often worn by men for both practical and ceremonial purposes.
* Tiki: A small garment worn as a loincloth, made from flax or other materials.
* Whakapapa: A small cloak worn by women, often decorated with feathers or other adornments.
* Pāteka: Small capes or cloaks made from feathers, worn for warmth or as part of ceremonial attire.
Ceremonial and Special Occasion Clothing:
* Kahu huruhuru: Elaborate cloaks made from feathers, often from birds like the kiwi, korimako (bellbird), or kōkako. These cloaks were highly valued and often worn only by chiefs and other important figures.
* Tā moko: Facial and body tattoos were also considered a form of "clothing," signifying status, lineage, and tribal identity.
* Hei-tiki: Jade or bone pendants, often worn around the neck or as earrings, were considered powerful symbols of ancestral spirits and were highly valued.
Materials:
* Flax (Harakeke): The most common material for clothing. Flax fibers were processed and woven into various textures and weights.
* Feathers: Highly prized for ornamentation and ceremonial attire.
* Skins: Animal skins were used for warmth and were sometimes woven into cloaks or garments.
* Bone, Wood, and Stone: Used for jewelry, adornments, and tools.
Important to Note:
* Clothing styles varied significantly between tribes and regions.
* The significance and use of clothing extended beyond practical needs, serving as a powerful means of expressing social status, identity, and spirituality.
While the specifics of early Māori clothing have been lost to time, the knowledge we have provides a glimpse into their ingenuity, resourcefulness, and the deep cultural meaning they imbued in their attire.