Kākā Pōria

Kākā Pōria - Original Artwork | Leonie Sharp

Whanganui artist Leonie Sharp draws on her traditional training in Whatu Kākahu (Māori cloak weaving) to create these delicate, hand-stitched sculptural forms.

This unique piece explores the history of the kākā pōria, small leg rings traditionally used to hold young kākā parrots. Once captured and wearing these rings, the birds were known as mōkai (captives or pets), and their cries were used to attract other wild birds from the forest.

Leonie reimagines this historical object through the soft texture of feathers, presenting it as a precious taonga (treasure). Her work is a beautiful nod to her heritage, inviting a deeper conversation about Māori history and the natural world of New Zealand.

It is a meaningful, thought-provoking piece that would make a striking addition to any art collection.

Dimensions:

Width - 350mm x Height - 350mm

"It is made with care using all natural materials and adhering to all New Zealand Department of Conservation guidelines.  No protected native birds were used in making this artwork.   All feathers are from non protected natives or introduced species.  All feathers are natural colours and sourced from renewable resources.

The feathers are washed and dried and before framing each piece is sprayed with an  industrial grade pyrethrum and sealed airtight.

Please keep out of direct sunlight as this could cause condensation inside the frame which can not be removed. The butterflies do not retain moisture and will not loose their colour as they are protected by UV glass but will be damaged by the moisture from condensation should this occur". - L Sharp

Please Note - 
The 'in situ mockup' is merely an example of visual representation within an environment and it does not truly reflect the size of the work. Please refer to the measurements above for the exact dimensions of this artwork.