Maori name for Red Ochre, an oxideof iron deposited in certain rivers, used by the Maoris forpainting. It was usually mixed with shark oil, but for veryfine work with oil from the berries of the titoki (q.v.).
1845. E. J. Wakefield, `Adventures in New Zealand,' vol. i.p. 124:
«His head, with the hair neatly arranged and copiouslyornamented with feathers, reclined against a carved post,which was painted with kokowai, or red ochre.»
1878. R. C. Barstow, `Transactions of New Zealand Institute,'vol. XI. art. iv. p. 75:
«Kokowai is a kind of pigment, burnt, dried, and mixed withshark-liver oil.»