Koakoa Design - He Kaakano Earrings

Koakoa Design is an indigenous jewellery and accessories studio, who create meaningful adornments inspired by the stories of Aotearoa so you can "celebrate who you are on your terms". Their designs have a clear link to heritage while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.

Koakoa Design embodies cultural confidence with bold, vibrant pieces designed to centre you in your identity, so you can create moments of connection in ways that matter to you. Anchored by this land, our aatua, your tuupuna.

Founder and creative force behind the brand, Lisa (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Ruanui, Pākeha) had been creating pieces for family and friends for years.

"The inspiration behind the designs comes from both sides of my whakapapa although the influence of my Māori lineage is front and centre. I'm interested in story-telling through design and the stories I'm most interested in currently are about relationships - be it with our environment, ātua, other people or ourselves.
The designs are as much political and cultural statements. They say - this is who I am - engage with me in this knowledge - I stand in this world, unapologetically and proud."

This design is named "He Kākano" - they reflect the second part of the well-known whakatauki – E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea.
I shall never be lost, for I am a seed sown in Rangiātea.

An aged effect has been applied to the wood to recall ancestral homes.
Words tumble down satin banners, a repeated recitation to draw strength from and shift beliefs that don't serve us.

DIMENSIONS: 50 mm x 235 mm*
MATERIALS: Satin ribbon, bamboo, nickel free antiqued copper or brass plated earring hooks (base metal stainless steel or brass), antiqued bronze ribbon clamp (base metal iron), jumprings nickel free antiqued brass or bronze plated (base metal brass or steel) and/or antiqued brass or bronze plated (base metal steel)
COLOUR: Burnt caramel and walnut

* Measurements are approximate. The items are handmade so there will be slight variance between each item. Many of the pieces use natural components so some variance can also be attributed to this.

These earrings are made by an indigenous Maaori creative