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This factsheet assists in the identification of hairs from a korowai (cloak). Artefacts, or taonga, may incorporate animal hairs, or animal skins.

Most diagnostic features for this species

  1. Korowai D10.233, Otago Museum Collection. Image: Kane Fleury © 2017 Otago Museum, Dunedin

    Korowai D10.233, Otago Museum Collection. Image: Kane Fleury © 2017 Otago Museum, Dunedin

    Medulla of guard hairs can vary from simple with scattered globular vacuoles to very fine wide lattice.
  2. Cross-section usually a mix of circular and oval shapes.
  3. Large diameter

Sample

Description: Korowai. Two hair fragments. One may not be dog

Collection: Otago Museum

Accession number: D10.233

Hair profile

eneral shape: Straight or slight wave

Length (mm): 30 - 42

Maximum diameter observed (μm): 35 - 70

Colour: White

Citation

Lowe B, Wehi PM. 2017. New Zealand hair identification factsheets: Kurī: Korowai
https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/tools-and-resources/identification/hair-sample-identification-and-factsheets/hair-from-artefact/korowai-kuri-hairs
Accessed: 18 November 2020