What do the Maori patterns mean?

A Maori twist symbolises the path of life. It is believed to have been based on Maori kete basket weaving. The path of life takes many twists and turns but carries on regardless. In the case of the Single Twist, the design means the path of life and can be called the Maori Eternity Symbol.

What do Maori carvings Symbolise?

It is believed that a carving which is worn with respect or given and received with love, takes on part of the spirit of those who wear or handle it. In this way it becomes a spiritual link between people spanning time and distance.

What are the names of different Kowhaiwhai patterns?

The various designs have fanciful names, such as mangopare (hammer-headed shark), kowhai-ngutu-kaka (flower of the kaka beak), ngutukura (red beak, or red lips), and so on. Kowhaiwhai design reached its most developed form in the Gisborne district.

What does the manaia Symbolise?

The Manaia is traditionally believed to be the messenger between the earthly world of mortals and the domain of the spirits, and its symbol is used as a guardian against evil. In this form, it is usually represented in a figure-of-eight shape, the upper half culminating in a bird-like beak.

What do Poupou carvings symbolize?

Carvings on poupou panels represent the ancestors of the carver, the belief being that the carved figures will watch over people gathering in the meeting houses, and ward off evil spirits. The carvings also act as a spiritual connection between the tribe and their ancestors.

What are Tukutuku patterns?

Tukutuku or arapaki is a type of ornamental weaving using reed latticework rather than threads. It is used mainly to adorn the inside walls of wharenui (meeting houses). The tukutuku panels are placed between the carved wall slabs of the wharenui, and, like the carvings, convey a complex language of visual symbols.

What does a Mangopare represent?

The mangōpare represents strength, leadership, agility, tenacity, unrelenting determination, courage, and wealth.

Can anyone have a moko?

Moko kauae is the right of Māori women. It is not a right for anyone else. Moko kauae is the reassertion of an indigenous right that has been marginalised, demeaned and denied by Pākehā colonial dominance. It is not a right for Pākehā women.

What makes Maori decorations so unique?

Maori designs are usually quite intricate. They feature monotone colors and a distinct outline. This beautiful design of octopus legs on the left side of the back is a head-turner. The intricate traditional Maori detailing in each tentacle makes it even more attractive.

What does Tainui mean?

Tainui is a tribal waka confederation of New Zealand Māori iwi. The Tainui confederation comprises four principal related Māori iwi of the central North Island of New Zealand: Hauraki, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Raukawa and Waikato .

What does a Maori twist symbolize?

It represents peace, tranquility, personal growth, positive change and awakening. It is associated with new life and harmony, so makes a wonderful gift for a new parent or child, newlyweds, or anyone starting on a new phase of their life. A Maori twist symbolises the path of life.

Who are the Maori?

Maoris have inhabited the islands of New Zealand for more than a thousand years. Before the arrival of Europeans, they were the dominant ethnic group. Today Maori symbols live on as amulets and carvings, as token messengers of an ancient culture.