Handcrafted Maori Style Art from New Zealand

Maori theology was based around great respect of nature and in particular the ocean, as the Maori people had crossed the Pacific Ocean to find New Zealand. They sailed across the sea in canoes and based much of their lifestyle around the resources gained from fishing and agriculture.

Koru, Yin Yang (Unity), Patu (Mere), Wahaika and Twist all have different meanings. 

KORU: The spiral represents the fern frond as it opens bringing new life and purity to the world. It also represents peace, tranquility and spirituality along with a strong sense of re growth or new beginnings. It is also associated with nurturing so when interlocked with others is frequently used to represent the strength and purity of a loving relationship within a family.

YIN YANG (Unity): Based on the Philosophy where Good and Evil, Light and Dark are balanced and hold the universe together. Represents power, beauty, old and new life all blend together into one unifying force.

PATU (Mere): Hand weapon, clubs were made of many materials such as stone, jade and whale bone. Mere or Patu is one of the more popular styles of fighting clubs and shows the lines and clean forms found in many Maori art. Patu was the choice of the fierce Maori Warriors. 

WAHAIKA: Traditional fighting club used by the Maori Warriors. These weapons were reserved for only the most respected tribal members so is often given as a ceremonial piece on special occasions. The Wahaika represents a strong willed and confident leader but also the responsibility to care and protect others. 

DOUBLE/TRIPLE TWIST: The single twist in particular shows the joining together of two people for eternity. Even though they sometimes move away from each other on their own journeys, they will always come together again sharing their lives and blending to become one. It tells how the strength of bond of friendship, loyalty and love will last forever. The double and triple twists have a similar meaning but refer more to the joining of two peoples or cultures rather than individuals.

These pieces are all handcrafted so might vary a little from photos.