Heru Hair Comb - Tino

These modern heru (hair comb adornments) are designed and made by Michael Rangiwewehi Dudley and his Owairaka whanau business Troublemaker, based in Welcome Bay, Tauranga Moana.

A heru is a traditional ornamental comb, they are used to fasten hair into topknots. Trouble Maker have created a version of a Heru that can be worn in many modern day settings. Suitable for occasions, but also to add some flair to your everyday look. 

Regarding the Tino design, the following text is from the Te Tuhi Mareikura Trust:

THE STORY The Tino Rangatiratanga Māori Flag has evolved since its first creation in 1989, and has since become a symbolism of Māori Sovereignty to a generation of Māori who weren't even born when the haki was initiated by Te Kawariki and its members. Tino Rangatiratanga has become an epitome of Maori and the journey for Sovereignty, recognition and acknowledgement of the injustices of previous colonists systems.

THE CREATORS After being created by Hiraina Marsden, Jan Dobson, and Linda Munn, the flag was then first unveiled on Waitangi Day (February 6th) of 1990 at the 150th commemorations of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

THE DESIGN Black represents Te Korekore the realm of Potential Being. It represents the long darkness, from whence the world emerged. It represents the heavens, the male element is formless, floating and passive. White represents Te Ao Marama, the realm of Being and Light. It is the Physical World. White symbolises purity, harmony, enlightenment, balance and air rising. The Koru, curling frond shape, represents the unfolding of new life, that everything is reborn and continues. It promises renewal and hope for the future. Red represents Te Whei Ao, the realm of Coming into Being. It symbolises female, active, flashing, south, yelling, emergence, forests, land, gestation and spirals. Red is Papatuanuku, Earth Mother, the sustainer of all living things. Red is the colour of earth from which the first human was made.

The design represents balance.

This item is handmade by an indigenous Maaori creative