Skip to content

Korowai: Kurī Canis familiaris hairs

Back a level
In this section
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

Korowai: Awe (tassles) with strip of dog skin and hair. Image: Kane Fleury © 2017 Otago Museum, Dunedin Image
Korowai: Awe (tassles) with strip of dog skin and hair. Image: Kane Fleury © 2017 Otago Museum, Dunedin
Korowai. Guard hair fragments. Image
Korowai. Guard hair fragments.

Microscopic features

Korowai. Medulla: wide lattice. Image: Bronwyn Lowe Image
Korowai. Medulla: wide lattice. Image: Bronwyn Lowe
Korowai. Medulla: wide lattice. Image: Bronwyn Lowe Image
Korowai. Medulla: wide lattice. Image: Bronwyn Lowe

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