This factsheet assists in the identification of hairs from a kahu kurī (dog-skin cloaks). Artefacts, or taonga, may incorporate animal hairs, or animal skins.
Most diagnostic features for this species
Kahu kurī hair. Image: Bronwyn Lowe
Medulla of guard hairs can vary from simple with scattered globular vacuoles to very fine wide lattice.
Cross-section usually a mix of circular and oval shapes.
Large diameter
Sample
Description: Kahu kurī. Six individual hairs plus small fragments. Root absent on all hairs, tip present on longest hair only
Collection: Te Papa Tongarewa
Accession number: ME321
Hair profile
General shape: Slightly wavy, curved or straight
Length (mm): 26 - 108
Maximum diameter observed (μm): 50 - 130
Colour: Black, dark brown, tan or white
Microscopic features
Kahu kurī hair. Medulla: wide lattice. Image: Bronwyn LoweKahu kurī hair. Medulla: wide lattice (viewed with crossed polars). Image: Bronwyn LoweKahu kurī hair. Scales: irregular wave, crenate margins, near separation. Image: Bronwyn LoweKahu kurī hair. Scales: irregular wave, crenate margins, near separation. Image: Bronwyn LoweKahu kurī hair. Scales: irregular wave, crenate margins, near separation. Image: Bronwyn LoweKahu kurī hair. Scales (near tip): irregular wave, crenate margins, distant separation. Image: Bronwyn LoweKahu kurī hair. Scales (furthest from tip): diamond or broad petal. Image: Bronwyn LoweKahu kurī hair. Typical tip damage. Tip absent, and hair shaft broken and frayed close to tip. Image: Bronwyn Lowe
