Kokoro-Barrett, Hiria (1870–1943)

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Kokoro-Barrett, Hiria (1870–1943)

New Zealand tribal leader and artisan. Name variations: Hiria Kokoro-Gray. Born on June 3, 1870, possibly at Tuahiwi in Canterbury, New Zealand; died on Sept 4, 1943, at Niagara, New Zealand; dau. of Henare Kokoro Tiratahi and Mere Pukuwaitai Kahaki; m. William Gray (laborer), 1890 (died 1895); m. Francis George Te Hau Barrett (Pareti), 1902 or 1903; children: (1st m.) 3 daughters; (2nd m.) 5 daughters and 4 sons.

Learned arts and skills of mother, including making flax and ribbonwood baskets, cloaks, headbands, and sandals; also made flax traps to catch fish; fished and hunted for birds, fish, and seal; in later years, became reclusive and lived alone in improvised shelter at Niagara.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 3).