Carving
AN INTRODUCTION
Prior to the Europeans arrival to Aotearoa, Maori did not have any communications by means of written symbols, and in order to continue the spread of the stories by their people, they created art to continue their tales. These forms of fine arts include cloth and basket weaving, and intricate carvings. Maori designed carvings have very exceptional importance because it was a way for them to pass on their tribal history, stories, lineage and so on. Among these fine arts, the significant carvings were made from materials ranging from jade, shell, bone, and wood.
Each carving has certain meanings that may differ from place to place. They depict unique narratives reflecting the region and stories related to the area(s). Story telling through carvings use several different components to merge and link with each other.
The native people of the land have grave appreciation of the environment, many of their tales based around the formation of the world and mother nature.
The spiritual significance of the carvings express the caliber to which the history of the carvings are of importance. They hold great value due to their ability to connect the previous possessors with the current/future owners not matter the distance. Those who wear the carving are given the responsibility of the spirits of those who had worn it in the past, they receive the item(s) with substantial regard and devotion making them very valuable.
There were configurations of art that developed through the carvings. Some of the carvings taking several years to create. Bone carvings were developed into different pieces, each one having special meanings. There are many different designs that vary from jewellery to weaponry, some include other natural elements.
DESIGN MEANINGS
Circle
This symbol represents the circle of life. The closed circle signifies that there is no start or end to life.
Koru
The design is influenced by the unfolding of the New Zealand silver fern. It has many different meanings some including personal development, peace, tranquility, but most importantly it represents the new beginnings and the awakening of new life to the universe. This can be correlated with fertility and nurturing.
Kowhaiwhai
The Kowhaiwhai is used to represent lineage, which in turn shows the power of descent. The design shows the magnitude of the importance of family.
Hei-Matau (Fish hook): These designs of fish hooks represent prosperity, power, authority, fertility and respect for the sea. The design is meant to bring good luck and safety in regards to sea faring. It is used to show the respect of the ocean and the lives living within it.
Tiki
The tiki is said to mean many different things. One version suggests that he was the Gods first born mortal being which represents fertility. It is also said that it brings good luck, lucidity of thought, exceptional self knowledge and character strength.
Toki (Adze)
This design is believed to show power, sagacity, jurisdiction, and high ethics, usually Maori elders .
Whales & dolphins
This symbolises the source of food and tools. Whales symbolise intelligence and considerable dimensions. It is said that they help navigate travels via the sea. The dolphin symbolises cohesion, relationships and liveliness in terms of interaction.
Single twist
The single twist represents the life path and how it has numerous twists and turns. This is thought to have been associated with the basket weaving.
Double and triple twist
The double and triple twists represent the unity of different cultures and the strength of life long friendship. It is the portrayal of two new sprouting shoots. It is the original symbol of infinity.
Manaia
The manaia is a creature that is both legendary and classical. It is the form of a human man with the head of a bird and a tail of a fish. It is a very spiritual design, the intentions of it to be a symbol of birth, life, death and the afterlife. Some believe that it is a messenger between the living and the spiritual world.
Roimata
This translates to ‘tear drop’ which symbolises sorrow and unhappiness. It is given to show support of the receiver during their sadness from the giver.
