New Zealand is a small country situated between Australia to the north and Antarctica to the south. With a population of approximately 5 million, we are well known on the international sports scene as well as for our beautiful scenery as featured in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit. Also internationally known are our indigenous peoples (Tangata Whenua – People of the Earth) the Maori, their culture and their Maori carvings and Maori jewelry.
As stated, the Maori are famous throughout the world for their beautiful carvings ranging from statues to jewelry. Maori jewelry can be carved from many different sources, but the most common are jade, bone, wood, and shell. When the item of jewelry is carved, there is a special meaning behind the chosen shape or design.
Listed below are some of the meanings behind the most commonly used designs.:
Koru: This is the symbol of creation based on the unfolding of the fern leaf. This symbolizes new life, growth, strength, and peace. The circular shape of the Koru helps to convey the idea of perpetual motion, while the inner coil suggests a return to the point of origin; “Life changes but stays the same”
single twist: The path of life (eternity), the union of two people: even if people move away, the path of life will cross again.
Double or triple twist: This is probably the most popular design for carved Maori jewelry. While the single twist refers to individual people, the double and triple twists refer more to the uniting of peoples or cultures for eternity through ups and downs. They remain united by friendship and loyalty for life.
Mania: “The Guardian” Bearer of superpowers with Maori carvings and jewelry, the manaia represents the head of a bird, the body of a man and the tail of a fish: the sky, the land and the sea. The manaia guides the spirit when necessary.
Circle: The circle of life or the path without beginning or end.
hello tiki: This Maori jewelry item is commonly known as a good luck charm that is passed down from generation to generation. It is a talisman of New Zealand and the Maori people. The wearer is supposed to have strength and character.
Hello Matau: The hook: this Maori design symbolizes prosperity. Fish were so plentiful to the Maori that ownership of a hook meant prosperity.
Today it represents strength, determination and good health. Provides safe travel on the water. This is a popular piece of carved jewelry for travelers on their trip abroad.
Some other Maori carving and jewelry designs include:
release: Strength, independence, unity and pride (a size of great comfort).
Heart: Indicates love, emotional balance, compassion and generosity.
Dolphin: A symbol of protection. It shows that the wearer has an affinity with the sea.
whale tail: Another protection symbol. Strength but sensitivity with an affinity towards conservation issues.
Tortoise: A symbol of maritime navigation.
Adze: Strength, determination and focus.