Parapara

This area was an important source of quartzite used for the manufacture of tools. A major iron ore deposit at Parapara provided kōkōwai (red ochre) for local use and trade. Clay containing the necessary silicates was dried and ground, then mixed with fish or whale oil or a substance obtained from pitoko (tītoki) seeds to create ochre of high quality. Ochre was used as personal decoration and to decorate and protect waka and carvings.