What does Maori symbols mean?

What does Maori symbols mean?

Māori symbols feature spirals, curves, natural images and supernatural deities. The koru, which represents the silver fern native to New Zealand, is a recurring motif in wood carving and larger artworks. Each symbols conveys meaning, and often relates to the relationship of man to nature, or to ancestry.

What is a Maori facial tattoo called?

Tā moko is the permanent marking or “tattoo” as traditionally practised by Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Tohunga-tā-moko (tattooists) were considered tapu, or inviolable and sacred.

What does a moko Kauae represent?

A moko kauae represents a woman’s whānau, and the service and leadership she has given them and her community, in recognition of her mana, status, abilities and commitment to the collective. It also perpetuates a traditional taonga passed down over many generations from the ancestress Niwareka.

What does hei tiki represent?

The Hei Tiki represents the human form and one’s ancestors. Traditionally passed from parent to child or used for protection and good luck. It links the past, present and future.

What is a Kowhaiwhai pattern?

Kowhaiwhai are Māori motifs. They are a way to tell a story and each has a meaning. Kowhaiwhai patterns are traditionally painted in whare tipuna (meeting houses), pataka (storehouses), on the prow of a waka (canoe) or on many forms of carving such as boat paddles or water containers.

What does the chin tattoo mean?

The first lines tattooed on the chin marked a girl who had come of age and was now an adult. That was celebrated. Tattoos symbolized moments in a woman’s life, reflecting things like marriage and children. More tattoos meant a woman was older and had accomplished more, which was also celebrated.

What is the difference between moko and Ta Moko?

Ta Moko, the bodily artform of the indigenous Maori of New Zealand. Moko has in recent years been divided into two main branches; Ta Moko and Kirituhi. Ta Moko is primarily for those of Maori blood and descent, while Kirituhi is for those of non Maori heritage.

What does the manaia represent?

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.

Can anyone wear Hei Tiki?

Usually carved of green nephrite or a jadelike stone called pounamu that is found along the western coast of the South Island, hei-tikis normally are worn only by women. The object is believed to possess magical powers that increase as it is passed on from generation to generation.

What are Tukutuku panels?

Tukutuku panels are a traditional Māori art form. They are decorative wall panels that were once part of the traditional wall construction used inside meeting houses. This method of construction created a warm, insulating type of decorative wallboard.