Taonga | Maori Jewelry Meanings

Bone Fish Hook Necklaces

2010-07-13T02:49:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular Maori arts is bone carving. This type of Polynesian artistry goes back hundreds, even thousands of years ago. Even nowadays this craft is still alive. Moreover, it is flourishing because of the grown interest in indigenous cultures such as that of the Maori.

A special kind of bone carvings are the necklaces. These have been popular among boaters, surfers, and other water sports fans for decades. Also the many tourists visiting New Zealand are fond of these little works of art.

Many of the designs used in these carvings are authentically historic but a selection of the renowned Maori and New Zealand carvers make use of contemporary patterns or combinations in their works. Whatever your personal taste demands, here's some more info on bone Maori fish hook necklaces.

Hawaiian Tiki Masks

2010-07-09T05:22:00.000-07:00

Hawaiian art is closely related to Maori art. Both are Polynesian cultural expressions.

Hawaiian tiki masks are hand carved wooden masks resembling Hawaiian gods. In earlier days tiki sculptures were created to ward off evil spirits and to induce fertility. Some state they were historically worn by Hawaiian warriors but this is not entirely clear. These masks are now popular as home decor items.

Tiki masks, as well as other expressions of deities such as tiki totems and statues are arguably the most typical expressions of Hawaiian culture. Check out my latest Squidoo lens on these wooden masks.

Tiki, Maori Version of Egyptian God Bes?

2010-02-16T14:26:00.000-08:00

Most likely the Maori concept of deity Tiki didn't sprout in Maori culture but is derived from an Egyptian god (even more likely from another African country like Somali). This deity is commonly known as the Egyptian god Bes.

Bes was an idolized dwarf god who's functions were to protect pregnant women, children and households. He was also said to be present at births, a birthgiving protector. Bes was a funny, loving god. Ancient legends state that when a baby laughed Bes was somewhere in the chamber making funny faces.

Apart from the "new life" resemblance there are other, aesthetic, similarities between art works of Bes and carvings of the Maori god Tiki who was the creator of life.

Both gods were depicted with hands on hips or upper thighs, bow shaped legs, a round belly, a large head with an open mouth with poking tongue, big goggle shaped eyes, defiant stance, genitalia in sight.

They also both held a similar shaped weapon. In case of Bes this was resembled by the Sa hieroglyph, a weapon and symbol for protection. Tiki was sometimes shown with Maori club, a weapon called Patu or Mere. The shape of both items is very similar. (the Sa hieroglyph and symbol later developed into the Egyptian Ankh which also stands for new life and afterlife.) Apart from the resembling characteristic features of Maori Tiki carvings and Egyptian god Bes depictions there are more clues to the connection between the two.

The Egyptian creation god Ptah, who was also represented as a bow-legged dwarf or fetus, is called 'the opener and in other texts referred to as Pataikos, “the Creator of the world, the sun, and moon, out of chaos (ha), or matter (mu).” Again a resemblance with the Maori Tiki who created the first man after his image and then the first woman out of chaos.

Read more about it here and here.

Paua Shell Jewelry

2010-02-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

Historically the Maori used the shells of the Paua sea snail in tools such as fishing lures as well as in their art works. Many times the eyes in wood and other carvings were crafted from this paua shell. Because this shell has such glittering, changing colors it gives the works of art a lively appearance. According to one Maori legend a villain who was asleep fooled his opponents by putting pieces of paua shell on his eye lids thus appearing awake.

Not only the Maori highly valued this natural source for its beauty. Nowadays many forms of paua shell jewelry are created. Especially popular are necklaces, bracelets, rings, (matching wedding rings from paua shell) earrings and other jewelry. Apart from the shell also blue paua pearls are much sought after. Due to overfishing and regulations wild paua pearls are very hard to find but there are also cultivated pearls which are used in jewelry also. These pearls are also referred to as fresh water pearls.

The Art of Maori Wood Carving

2010-02-11T04:25:00.000-08:00

The origin of Maori woodcarving lies in the arrival of the first Polynesian canoes (waka) landing on the New Zealand shores in 1200 AD (estimate). A few hundred years later, aproximately around 1500 the unique distinctive Maori wood carving style had been developed.

Maori wood carvings are characterized by bold three-dimensional forms adorned with intricate, detailed designs. In Maori language this art form is called Whakairo Rakau, meaning; the Art of Woodcarving.

The typical designs represent traditional Maori culture and Maori legends. Also a large deal resembles remembrance of ancestors. Purpose of carving wood was to pass on tribal history, legends and stories of ancestors (whakapapa) This because the Maori had no written language (wood) carvings were an ideal means to capture historic events.

Some of the native woods commonly used are Kauri, Rimu and Totara wood. Objects subject to carving were porches of (meeting) houses, canoes but also smaller items such as walking sticks (tokotoko), weapons (such as the taiaha and wahaika), and ceremonial storage boxes. (waka huia)

A frequently occurring design are human like figures many of which have a provoking appearance . Their purpose was to ward of evil spirits as well as to scare off members of enemy tribes. For this reason they were placed strategically on the front of canoes and on houses. Many carvings were painted red, a sacred color in Maori culture.

Examples of the human-like figures are the tiki and tekoteko both with jutting tongue, also a sign of defiance. Heads were carved in different styles depending on the tribe and their geographical location. Examples are the Tai Tokerau style, Taranaki Style, and Wheku style.

Maori Jewelry Meanings | Symbolics and Cultural Significance

2010-02-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

Maori jewelry is not only valued across the world for its unique, recognizable style but also for its rich symbolics, its cultural significance and mythological references. In short, Maori jewelry is appreciated for its beauty and meanings.

One reason for the distinctive character of Maori jewelry and art in general is the fact that the Maori peoples have lived in Aotera (New Zealand) in isolation for centuries. Although since the arrival of Western occupants the cultural heritage has been blended to some extent it still has the marks of hundreds of years of independent cultural development.

Purposes of Maori jewelry were for example to demonstrate social status, use with ceremonial events, and display pride about ancestors.

The meanings of Maori jewelry have to do with several spiritual perspectives. One is that the symbolic shapes contributed to a create a permanent awareness of the descendance of the gods.

Another is to remind and honor ancestors. Also the use of artifacts as information and knowledge vessels is a instigator to the meaning of Maori jewelry. Because of the absence of a written language historic tales and legends were directly related to certain symbols.

According to Maori belief shapes, decorations, patterns and other design elements of Maori jewelry are in direct relationship with the opinion that everything has a spiritual force called mana.

These estethics, and characteristics of things (and living entities) are thought to be a manifestation of mana. This is an indication of how Maori symbols are directly related to their symbolical meanings.

Most commonly used materials to create jewelry were bone and greenstone. Bone came from stranded whales, sea animals, cattle and even humans (both from the own tribe as well as from enemies) Jade was gathered mainly on the South Island.

Greenstone, a very hard type of stone was thought to have magical power. The Maori word for this magical material is pounamu. Common uses were ear and neck pendants, rings, ceremonial clubs and weapons. The most frequently used and highly valued symbol was the Tiki decoration. Tiki is a representation of ancestors. Jewelry such as Tiki pendants were passed on upon generations accumulating spiritual value with each owner.

Other specific symbols are the spiral (koru) which refers to new life and .. and the ..
Find out more about typical Maori jewelry symbols and their meanings here: Maori bone pendants.

Maori Bone Carvings

2010-02-02T04:51:00.000-08:00

Not only did the authentic inhabitants of New Zealand give this country its name; Aotera, which means the country of the long white cloud. They also brought a rich cultural heritage still characteristic to New Zealand to the country and its culture. This heritage, by foreigners mostly recognized by the traditional Maori facial tattoo's (Moko), the carvings has much more to offer.

One of the mere pronounced type of expressions are the bone and wood carvings. These carvings were used as tools, such as axes, woodworking tools (adze) war hammers, spear points, and knifes. Gradually the ornamental purpose got a more prominent role. Specially crafted items were used during ceremonies and were highly valued treasures (Taonga) that would be passed on from father on son during ages.

Some of these beautiful and unique works of art are still to be enjoyed in Kiwi musea. The most common known Maori bone carvings symbols are the Koru, Matau, and Tiki. Koru refers to the unfurling ferns, a symbol of regrowth and new life. The Matau refers to a fish hook, a source of food and wealth for a family or community. Tiki is the resemblance of the first man on earth created by the god Thane.

The Maori Taniwha

2010-01-29T03:00:00.000-08:00

Taniwha is a mythological creature living in the sea, rivers, pools, swamps and underwater caves. Their habitat was especially located near ominous places. These legendary Maori beings are both perceived as hostile beings as well as guardians of individuals or tribes. Taniwha have the ability to shift shape. Once in the water they could appear as sharks, giant squids, or big sea snakes while on land they turned into giant lizzards or even dragons. The creatures were feared by many.

One legend, titled "The Taniwha of Kaipara", illustrates the deceptive nature of the beast. Three sisters, of which one exceptionally beautiful, were chased by a Taniwha when they were picking berries. Finally Taniwha managed to capture the prettiest sister and took her to his cave. Years later she had given the monster six sons. Three were like their father and the others were human. She learned her human sons to craft weapons and the art of war. One day the sons killed their three brothers and father and they took her mother home. Reed A,W.,`Reed book of Māori mythology`(2004),pp.285-286 Source: Wikipedia

While from nature they were dangerous beasts, when treated with respect by humans Taniwha could be their guardians. Each tribe had its own Taniwha saving members from drowning, protecting them from approaching war-seeking enemy tribes and, fighting alongside the tribe.

From a more spiritual point of view the Taniwha was considered a connection between the human life on earth and the spiritual world of the gods, ancestors and stars. In this matter the mythological creature functioned as a link between common daily life and ancestral heritage.

Because of the fact that its spiritual meaning is so deeply rooted in Maori culture and society many artworks were created resembling the Taniwha. A historical popular art form were pendant necklaces . Even today New Zealand artists, some of which Maori, create the most stunning Taniwha bone, wood and jade (pounamu) carvings.

Original Hei Tiki Pendant Characteristics

2009-11-27T04:13:00.000-08:00

Several theories exist but the exact historical meaning and purpose of the hei-tiki remains unclear. It is certain these objects were highly valued by their native owners. So much that they were given names and were thought to accomodate the souls of previous ancestral wearers.

Hei Tiki pendants commonly resembled a human-like being with crossed legs, a to one side tilted head and in most cases, with female genitals.

Typical hei tiki pendants were characterized by a forked tongue, a relatively big mouth shaped like a flattened heart, the iris of the eye existed of a ring of paua shell and, which is typical for Maori carvings, had three fingers to each hand and three toes to each foot.

The Origin of Maori Art

2009-11-27T03:00:00.000-08:00

H D Skinner (1886 - 1978) has been British anthropologist lecturer at Otago University, former director of the Otago Museum, first president of the New Zealand Archaeological Association and most of all researcher. Skinner has researched and published many papers about (material) Maori culture and art.

According to Skinner repeating elements in Maori cultural expressions such as "the technical skill, perfection of execution and the tendency towards repetition and symmetrical balance" have their roots in general Polynesian art.

Some motifs like the human figure with two manaias which is, according to Skinner, derived from Melanesia ( a part of the Pacific ocean north and north east of Australia)

Contrary to popular belief it are these two Oceanic regions instead of India, Eastern Asia and America Maori art is most closely connected to.

Original items of practical use which gradually developed over time into "a type of pure ornament showing little resemblance to the implement from which it originally sprang." The hei matau (fish hook pendant) and the hei toki (adze pendant) might be exceptions to this rule.

Source: Evolution in Maori Art

Maori Symbols Explained | Tiki

2009-11-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

In some cases supernatural meanings were attributed incorrectly to Maori art works while there were no definite records.

Best (16, vol. 1, p. 294) states that "the mythical Tiki created by Tane was in reality tile personification of the phallus and that the tiki ornament is a fructifying symbol which "bears the sacerdotal name of the linga and its personified form"....

"...However,.... It is evident the hei tiki as a personified form of the phallus is a local myth composed by a particular school after the invention of the hei tiki. It is also curious that an alleged male symbol should be sexed as female.

Another rationalization is that the hei tiki "was made, wholly or partially, in the form of the human embryo". Skinner (74, vol. 41, p. 206) disproved this statement by showing that the tiki did not conform to the anatomical details of the human embryo, except for the large head, which, however, is characteristic of Maori art.

Source: Chapter 12 Personal decorations and Ornaments of 'The Coming of the Maori' nzetc.org

Visit this page for a selection of the most beautiful tiki pendants.

Wooden Maori Carving

2009-11-25T07:39:00.000-08:00

Carving representing Ruanui, ancestor of the Māori tribe Te Aupōuri.

Ngāti Ruanui is a Maori tribe (iwi) traditionally based in the Taranaki region of New Zealand.

From the canoe house at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Waitangi, Bay of Islands, New Zealand. The style of this carving is reminiscent of that of parts of the tropical Polynesian islands.

Note that this carving has four fingers on each hand, rather than the three usual in Maori carvings. It is said the common three fingers resemble birth, life and death. Others state the varying numbers of fingers is not unusual and may be due to regional differences in style, rather than having a symbolic meaning.

Courtesy photo: Kahuroa

Follow this link for hand made, authentic Maori designed bone carvings.

Maori Carving Meanings

2009-11-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

Traditional Maori wood and bone carving is based on particular designs with a special significance. Most commonly traditions, ancestral history and religious stories are depicted in the carvings.

Because the Maori had no written language before the Europeans set foot on the coasts of New Zealand the carvings were a vessel to pass on cultural heritage. The carved items e.g. masks, totems, weapons, jewelry and ornaments of buildings were highly respected by the tribe. Many of these objects were considered sacred and were thought to have souls. These treasures are called Taonga by the Maori.

Check out stunning hand carved Maori bone, wood and jade pendants here.

Maori Fish Hooks

2009-11-03T05:08:00.000-08:00

The most valued personal Maori jewelry were the hei tiki and hei matau pendant necklaces. Made of bone, greenstone and sometimes stone or wood these treasures (taonga) were heirlooms passed on by generations.

The posession of a well crafted and functional fish hook (hei matau) meant a source of food and income for the family. Later on they also were ascribed a more symbolical meaning based on the abundance of food, wealth and survival themes. Symbolical and mythological meanings of the Maori fish hook are still valued today. Truly beautiful bone and jade carved pieces are still made in New Zealand. Many of these items are crafted by Maori bone carvers. Mythological creatures like the Manaia, Taniwha and other legendary beings are intertwined in the beautiful designs.

Maori Pendants

2009-11-01T04:32:00.000-08:00

Ornamental Maori pendants were traditionally worn around the neck as ear jewelry and also as hair combs (heru). These symbolical ornaments, crafted of bone, shell, teeth and stone, were thought to have spiritual and magical protective properties.

Their importance is illustrated by the fact that these artefacts were passed on generation upon generation. The treasured personal amulets were thought of as living entities and many times were given personal names. The most valuable pieces were made of Pounamu (greenstone) in some cases with eyes of paua shell.

Paua Jewelry

2009-11-01T03:51:00.000-08:00

Paua is the Maori name of the Abalone shellfish. The Paua shell is famous for its stunning colors that change when looked at from different angles. Abalone (Haliotis Iris) shells are also called Venus' ears or sea ears.

Paua shells are also known as Ormer shells (UK) or opal of the sea. Paua is the Abalone species branche that exclusively lives in New Zealand's coastal waters. It is thought that a combination of these fresh, unpolluted waters and the abundance of kelp gives the paua shell its beautiful blue, green and purple color hues.

Maori used paua shell for the eyes in their carvings. According to Maori mythology the paua eyes (mata-a-ruru) resemble the eyes of the owl. Meaning the carved being disposes of infinite wisdom and knowledge. They also referred to the stars. According to Maori beliefs their ancestors gazed down at them at night. The stars representing ancestral eyes are called 'whetu'.
Parts of paua shells were also utilized to create reflective, flashing fishing hook lures.

Even nowadays beautiful paua jewelry is made. Paua pendants, bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings and many more. Visit this page to see the most stunning paua jewelry or to read about the legend of Tangaroa.

Tiki Pendant Necklaces

2009-10-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

Many legends belonging to the cultural heritage of the Maori explain the meaning of symbols like the matau and koru. This however does not count for the tiki symbol. The tiki is one of the most mysterious symbols in Maori (and Polynesian) culture. No one is absolutely sure about its exact meaning.

Some say the tiki resmbles the human fetus. Most experts agree the tiki resembles fertility. The legend of tiki also refers to this. Tiki, being the first man on the earth, originating from the stars created his wife from his own reflection. Variations of the legend are about Tiki being the Polynesian god , the creator of life.

Click this link to read more about the symbolics, the legend and tiki pendants.

Popular Maori Symbol Meanings

2009-09-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

What do the Maori words Koru, Tiki, Manaia, Taniwha and Matau have in common? If you place the word Hei, meaning 'to wear around the neck', before them you are talking about Maori pendant designs.

Click the picture for more jade Maori pendants.

For example Hei Matau. Matau means hook or fish hook so hei matau are the renowned fish hook pendants. Same way for hei koru which is a unfurling fern pendant. The beauty of this is not only that there are many different designs but they all refer to nature and mythological stories. A few Maori symbol meanings:

Koru symbolizes new life, fertility, growth, strength and peace. This symbol is also used in other (bigger) carvings and tattoos. The circular shape of the Koru resembles perpetual movement while the inner spiral is a metaphor for a return to the point of origin.

In Maori (Polynesian) mythology, Tiki was the first man. Some of the many legends suggest a woman named Marikoriko was the first person. There are also legends stating the tiki design resembles the shape of a god. On the other hand 'tiki' is the Maori word for large wooden carved statues in roughly human shape you can still find in New Zealand .

Manaia is a mythological figure part bird part fish. It is a guardian watching over the wearer of the pendant. Manaia is traditionally linked to the ocean.

Taniwha are supernatural creatures, sometimes described as sea monsters, dragons or serpents. Stories go they attacked people and robbed women but when respected they acted as guardians of a tribe (iwi) They lived in seas, lakes or other waters and were able to change shapes.

More Maori designs, (especially the fish hook) meanings and analysis of the mythological creatures like the Manaia here.

Hei Matau - Maori Fish Hooks

2009-09-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Symbolics of Hei Matau Explained

Hei Matau are Maori fish hooks initially carved from whale bone. Since the dawn of history the Maori peoples carved these fish hooks to use them for fishing. But they were also created as pieces of jewelry. Many of these artefacts have been passed on generation by generation. These family heirlooms were commonly worn as pendants on necklaces.

Fishermen, being food gatherers, were held in high regard in the Maori society. This respect was also based on the skills they possessed to create fishing gear of whale and other bone, shell and wood. That's why hei matau symbolizes power and authority. Some special designs are still worn by Maori warriors when performing ceremonial dances. Apart from that its also a sign of respect for and dependence of the sea and its creatures.

Nowadays only its symbolic purpose remains. Hei matau symbolizes prosperity. In ancient Maori times fish was that abundantly available that simply owning (and using) a fish hook meant prosperity. Today it also symbolizes abundance, fertility and strength. They are given to beloved ones as good luck charms, particularly for those traveling over water.

The wearer is a source of friendship, love, companionship and help in times of need. So by giving a hei matau to someone as a present you make a firm and positive statement about how you think about that person.

Check out the following page for really stunning, hand carved by Maori master carvers, hei matau.

Buddhist & Tibetan Jewelry

2009-01-08T06:09:00.000-08:00

Normally I write about Maori jewelry, and then especially bone carved pendants only, but I'll make an exception this time. This exception is the first step to my new blog about spiritual necklaces. Today I will introduce the Dharma wheel pendant and the Om Mantra pendant. Both originated from ancient Tibetan culture.

The term Dharma refers to the teachings of Buddha. The so called 'turning of the (Dharmacakra) wheel resembles the path to enlightenment. The eight-spoked wheel is an icon of Buddhism and its shape refers to several meanings of the Buddhist teachings and the religion in general. For example discipline in order to maintain mediation is resembled by the hub of the wheel. The circular shape stands for the perfect character of Buddhist teachings.

Om or Aum, stands for the first sound, the first vibration which is though to start all life. It is not only the definite start but also a respresentation of everything.