This factsheet assists in the identification of hairs from a kahu waero (dog hair tassel cloak). Artefacts, or taonga, may incorporate animal hairs, or animal skins.
Most diagnostic features for this species
Kahu waero: Skin fragment with guard and under hairs.
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 waero. Eight hairs sampled from dogskin tag
Collection: Whānau collection
Hair profile
General shape: Straight, curved or slight wave (guard hairs) or wavy (underhairs)
Length (mm): 62 - 113
Maximum diameter observed (μm): 70 - 110
Colour: White or transparent
Kahu waero. Guard hairs sampled from skin.
Microscopic features
Kahu waero. Medulla: wide lattice (viewed with crossed polars). Image: Bronwyn LoweKahu waero. Medulla: wide lattice. Image: Bronwyn LoweKahu waero. Medulla: wide lattice (viewed with crossed polars). Image: Bronwyn LoweKahu waero. Scales: regular wave, smooth to crenate margins, near to distant separation. Image: Bronwyn LoweKahu waero. Scales: regular wave, smooth to crenate margins, near to distant separation. Image: Bronwyn LoweKahu waero. Scales: regular wave, smooth to crenate margins, near to distant separation. Image: Bronwyn LoweKahu waero. Hair tip: blunt. Note tapering of medulla towards tip. Image: Bronwyn LoweKahu waero. Typical damaged end of artefact hair. Image: Bronwyn Lowe
Citation
Lowe B, Wehi PM. 2017. New Zealand hair identification factsheets: Kurī: Kahu waero https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/tools-and-resources/identification/hair-sample-identification-and-factsheets/hair-from-artefact/kahu-waero-kuri-hairs Accessed: 18 November 2020
