ABOUT · MAKING OF SERIES · TE KOROWAI
The making of
Te Korowai
A headstone for a respected Kaumatua — every element chosen by his whānau, every meaning carried in the stone.
FORM
Memorial headstone
OCCASION
In memory of a Kaumatua
STONE
Ōamaru limestone
THE PROCESS
From sketch to completion
Click any image to view full size and flick through the sequence.
THE STORY
"It was a pleasure and a privilege to be part of this mahi — a Kaumatua of his standing deserved every element to be right."
The commission came from a whānau honouring a highly respected Kaumatua from the East Coast, who had spent his later years living in the King Country. A man of leadership, learning, and deep connection to his people and his place.
The design process was unlike many others — numerous conversations over several months, with input from various family members, each bringing their own knowledge of who he was. Surprisingly, and to Brett's genuine admiration, it all came together smoothly. A large whānau, a clear vision, and a shared sense of what he deserved.
Every element was chosen with purpose. The Korowai for his leadership. The Poutama for his knowledge. The whale tail for the East Coast he came from. The sun for all his tribes. The koru for his whānau. Nothing was decorative. Everything meant something specific to the people who loved him.
When the headstone was installed, the family sent Brett photos and videos. A professional installation, carried out with the care and ceremony the piece — and the man — deserved.
ABOUT THE NAME
Te Korowai — the cloak. A korowai is worn by those of status and leadership, and it became the central element and the name for this piece. The name honours who he was — a leader among his whānau and Iwi — and the garment that carried that meaning into stone.
DESIGN ELEMENTS
Te Korowai — the cloak
With a feather fringe — chosen by the whānau to represent his leadership among his people and his Iwi.
THE MATERIAL
Ōamaru limestone is a soft, warm New Zealand stone — hand-carved, not machined. It weathers beautifully outdoors and holds fine detail with care.
Available for delivery locally or shipped professionally anywhere in New Zealand or internationally.
Poutama — the step pattern
Represents his role as an educator and his depth of knowledge in Tikanga and Te Reo Māori.
The whale tail
Represents the East Coast — his tribal home and the rohe he carried with him.
The sun
Encircling the whale tail — representing all of his tribes.
The Koru
Around the whale tail — representing his whānau.
BRETT KENO · SCULPTOR · NEW ZEALAND