Muka earrings - Kōkōwai

The second phase of the DIRT collection: kōkōwai. This phase is all about whenua/earth pigment/dirt and in particular a special kind, the deep red of kōkōwai.

For these pieces kōkōwai has been used to dye muka harakeke, so you can carry this special whenua with you throughout your journey.

The whenua used to dye this piece is from Kapanga Coromandel Town, Te Patukirikiri rohe.

This piece has been has been hand made.

• Sterling Silver earring hooks
• Freshwater pearls
• Length: 15cm

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More about kōkōwai

Kōkōwai is an earth pigment that holds special significance in te ao Māori. It was (and still is) used in lots of different ways, including to stain whare (mixed with animal oil), to mark sites or taonga of significance, or painted on the body in some cases.

The red of this whenua links back to the red of the uku (clay) that Hineahuone was formed with, linking back to the first human existence on earth. You can find out more about kōkōwai (and other whenua things) by heading to the incredibly generous and powerful resources of @kauae_raro ❣️