Do the designs in Whakairo have a meaning?

Māori carvings in wood, bone, or stone have unique designs and special meanings. Rather than purely being decorative, whakairo (Māori carvings) each give a unique narrative. The stories passed down through generations explain cultural traditions and tribal history.

What do Maori carvings Symbolise?

It represents not only their land, but also prosperity, fertility and safe passage over water. They also denote the importance of fishing to Māori, and their relationship to Tangaroa god of the sea.

What do bone carvings mean?

Bone carving encompasses the acts of creating art, tools, and other goods by carving animal bones, antlers, and horns. It can result in the ornamentation of a bone or the creation of a distinct object.

What do the Maori necklaces mean?

The Maori tiki symbolizes fertility and childbirth. The frequently occurring hands placed on the loins are said to illustrate this meaning. As a necklace it is used as a good luck charm. A protector against evil spirits. Above all the Maori tiki is also a symbol of commemoration of ancestors.

What wood is best for carving NZ?

Totara wood as a carving material Wood has very straight grain, finishes well and is considered by Maori carvers as best option for wood carving in New Zealand.

What is the meaning behind Kowhaiwhai patterns?

The kowhaiwhai painted on the ridgepole represents the whakapapa (genealogy) of the iwi (tribe). Nature is often the inspiration for these beautiful and stunning patterns which are often found on the rafters of the meeting houses.

Is it bad luck to buy your own Greenstone?

Certain pieces of greenstone were actually recognized as having their own spirits, which chose their wearer, so carving or taking one for yourself was extremely bad luck as it would anger the spirit or guardian of the jade.” Today however, it is increasingly common to purchase a piece for yourself.

What does the hook mean in Maori?

In Maori mythology, New Zealand was fished up out of the sea by Maui. The fish hook signifies abundance and plenty, strength and determination. It is believed to bring peace, prosperity and good health. It is a device for catching good luck and energy, and is believed to provide safe journey over water.

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 does the NZ Tiki mean?

They are commonly called tiki by New Zealanders, a term that originally refers to large human figures carved in wood and to the small wooden carvings used to mark sacred places. (The word hei in Māori can mean “to wear around the neck”.)

What happens if pounamu breaks?

Unfortunately, Pounamu is not repairable once it has broken. The best option would be to purchase another piece or we could put you in touch with the carver and you may be able to have something smaller shaped out of your broken pounamu.

What is a taonga mean?

treasured possession
Taonga or taoka (in South Island Māori) is a Māori language word which refers to a treasured possession in Māori culture. Due to the lack of a direct translation to English and the significance of its use in the Treaty of Waitangi, the word has been widely adopted into New Zealand English as a loanword.