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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
