Caring For Your Korowai

Caring for Your Contemporary Korowai/Kakahu Huruhuru (Feathered Cloak)

Contemporary Korowai/ Kakahu Feather Cloaks should always be handled with care. Although fairly robust, always treat it with respect and gentleness, as it can be easily damaged over time.  All the feathers on the cloak have multiple stitching ,however the odd feather may separate as the feathers are settling into their natural shape, or when the feathers are damaged.

Storing in Your Garment Bag
Use a material storage or garment bag, like a suit cover bag which has a little window on the side so you can view the feather cloak and check it. 
Ensure your bag is larger than your cloak length, so that the bottom rows of feathers are not  scrunched or folded up. Avoid plastic bags as these may create sweating and moisture for the feathers.

It is recommended to place several mothballs in a cloth bag at the neck of the garment bag to discourage moths and other insects that may cause deterioration of the feathers over time.

Always place your feather cloak in its storage bag and keep it hung up in a dry and well ventilated place. Do not store in damp conditions and DO NOT leave the korowai in the sun. 

ALWAYS HANG UP – DO NOT fold the korowai up and leave in a drawer.  Placing other items on top of it as this will crush and damage the feathers.

The Hanger
It is better to use a clip hanger used for skirts  that grips the top of the feather cloak. For large cloaks, use a steel hangar that takes the weight better. Plastic skirt hangars can be used for medium and small korowai.  

Use a small piece of cotton material to protect the top of the korowai from the grippy part of the hangar. Fold your korowai in half with the feathers on the inside and clip onto the hanger.

Inspection
Regularly take your korowai/feather cloak out and check for any feather deterioration, or insect visitors. Unfold and place on a flat table. Gently flatten all the feathers, especially at the fold line. Use a soft dry cloth in a downward motion, to flatten the feathers so it keeps its shape.

Recommend 6 months feathers on the outside, then turn to do 6 months with feathers on the inside.

Even though the feathers and the completed cloak have been fumigated, any deterioration in the feathers may require it to be treated or refumigated.  Fumigation treatment costs about $200.

Cleaning
DO NOT HANDWASH, MACHINE WASH OR DRY CLEAN your feather cloak.
The feathers need gentle handling, and it is very important not to use chemicals or bleach on it.

If you must clean it for any reason, use a very soft cloth which is barely damp with water and gently wipe in a downward motion only.  Leave  to dry in a warm sunny room, but not in direct sunlight.

Display of Your Korowai/Feather Cloak
Some people display on a mannequin. This is great for viewing and keeping its shape. However do not display in direct sunlight, and check regularly for moth or insect damage.

It is recommended to place mothballs on the inside of the garment, at the neck and along the hem to deter moths and other insects. Also children love to touch the soft feathers, so take extra care when they are around.

When displaying your korowai/feather cloak on the walls or inside large frame boxes, cotton material loops can be sewn on the inner side of the cloak in the neck region, or just below the taniko, and a rod inserted into this to allow it to be displayed on the wall.

If using a frame, ensure the paper backing is acid free. You can hang it on a rod frame. Attach cloth loops at the base of the taniko, as this is the strongest part of the cloak, and avoid using tacks through the feathers, as it damages them. Avoid displaying directly in the sun.