Korotangi

As reported  in the Transactions of the NZ Institute, 1889, “the Korotangi” is the name given to a stone bird said by the Maori(s) to have been brought from Hawaiki by them in their canoe Tainui. The bird measures 10.25 inches (26.5 cms) from point of beak to tip of tail. The right half of the tail is broken. It is carved out of a very dark green serpentine. The bird carved in a bold and careful way and in a natural position, seems to represent, at first glance, a species of Prion, the beak being so very much depressed; but on closer examination it will be seen that it does not possess the united nasal tubes placed on the top of the bill, but has the nostrils lateral near the base of the beak, as in ducks.

“The Maori(s) assert that they brought the Korotangi with from Haiwaiki, and that it came in the canoe called Tainui which first landed on the east coast; but it was dragged over the Tamaki portage into Manukau, thence navigated to Aotea, on the west coast, between Raglan and Kawhia.

“It is a curious fact that the Korotangi was found in a rua, or hole, in which was growing a large kahikatoe tree (manuka), very old. The tree had been blown down, and the bird was found in the roots by a Maori. ... an old chieftainess saw it, and on hearing where it was discovered she bowed herself and then sang the song relating to it. This song is known in all parts of the country. The knowledge of it having been found caused much excitement amongst the natives. Tawhiao, the Maori King, came to see it, and Rewi took it away with him, and rose several times through the night to tangi, or cry, over it.

“We now give the song relating to the Korotangi in Maori, and a translation by C.O. Davis.”

—  NOTE:  In 1995 the korotangi was returned to the Tainui people as part of the government settlement of their claims under the treaty of Waitangi.