Tiki, Maori Version of Egyptian God Bes?

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.

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Paua Shell Jewelry

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

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

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

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.