Intermediates
Gallantry and accessories
The word "māori" (pronounced with an accent on the "a" and a barely audible "o") means as much as "normal" or "natural." In Maori legends and myths, it describes mortal humans as opposed to spirits and immortal beings. "Maori" has related terms in many other Polynesian languages.
New Zealand was named the islands by the Dutch, after Abel Tasman discovered them in 1642, in honor of the Dutch province of Zeeland. The Maori themselves call their country "Long White Cloud."
The Maori have a very complex mythology with a plethora of gods and extremely elaborate symbolism. Of course, symbolism is characteristic of all the world's cultures, however, it has taken on a special significance in peoples who did not create writing, and the Maori of the pre-Colonian era are among such peoples. Until then, ancestral knowledge was passed from generation to generation in oral form and through symbolic art.
Traditional Maori symbols are associated with the water element, reflecting a close bond with nature and an interest in astronomy. Knowing the meaning of Maori symbolism and studying the works of art created by them, one can learn a lot about their traditions, historical events, legends and the lives of their ancestors. The beautiful and mysterious talismans and amulets brought back from New Zealand will certainly gain even more value if we try to understand them a little.
Hei Matau - a fishing hook
Matau, a pendant in the shape of a fish hook, is a symbol of safe travel through the water. Worn around the neck, it is a sign of abundance, health, strength and power. Owning a Hei Matau pendant is a sign of respect for the sea and sea creatures.
The fish hook derives from Maori legend, which tells the story of how the great sailor Maui, a Maori ancestor, pulled the northern island of New Zealand from the depths of the ocean with a magic hook.
Matau, as jewelry, is worn by Maori women and men alike and is a highly prized cultural treasure.
Papahu - the dolphin
Papahu is a symbol of security, joy and harmony. The wearer of this amulet shows his unity with nature, primarily with the sea, which is the domain of Papahu.
According to oral accounts, it was dolphins that helped the first Maori sail the ocean and find a new homeland. A subspecies of the Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) is the Maui dolphin, which is among the smallest and fastest dolphins. It lives exclusively on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island. The name "Maui" means "god of the sea" in the Maori language.
Koru - fern spiral
The Koru symbol is often encountered in the form of tattoos, on various wood carvings and, of course, as jewelry made of jade, bone and mother-of-pearl.
Koru depicts the spiraling shoot of a young fern that is just opening up to new life. A sign of living in harmony, the circular shape of the fern shoot also symbolizes peace and spirituality in connection with a new life or a new phase of it. It is a reminder that life is changing while it lasts. The Koru sign has been known to Maori for centuries.
Pikorua twist - different paths of life
The Pikorua symbol is very popular among Maori because of its meaning. In its basic form, it resembles the numeral "8", symbolizes the various paths of life and is considered the primary sign of eternity. Although two people continue to pass each other during their time in this world, they will one day meet to become one.
There are spirals twisted once, twice, and even triply. The triple and double twist is more about the ties between a group of people, societies and entire cultures, rather than individual people.
The pendant in the form of Pikorua is a favorite gift between lovers, friends and family members. It is a sign of friendship, fidelity and loyalty.
Hei Tiki - the first man
In Polynesian culture, throughout the Pacific, the term "tiki" means "forefather," "the first mortal man on Earth." The origin of the Tiki and its symbolic meaning is not entirely clear. It is assumed that the figurine represents the first man who came from the stars. According to his image, a woman was subsequently created.
Another widely accepted view describes the Tiki as a symbol of female fertility. In Maori families, the Tiki pendant is given to women who have trouble getting pregnant.
The Tiki has special value as a symbol of the memory of ancestors, as it has been a carrier of the legacy of their knowledge, spirituality and energy for generations.
Muri Paraoa - the tail of the whale
The whale, is a very important creature in Maori life. Its size and intelligence play an important role in Maori culture. The whale's tail symbolizes safety and closeness of man to nature, as whales and dolphins are known for their readiness to help a man in danger.
Humbak symbolizes family connection and the love of a mother for her child; a young whale, swimming nearby, can always count on her protection.
Muri Paraoa means strength, speed, success, self-confidence and sensitivity.
Gecko - envoy of the god Whiro
In Polynesian cultures, the gecko lizard is considered the embodiment of the gods. Also in Maori mythology, this reptile has a special significance, as it is believed to be an emissary of the god Whiro. Whiro is the god of the dead, the embodiment of evil and lord of darkness, and lives in a misty and dark underworld, surrounded by a bunch of evil spirits. Unlike Tane, the god of light and fertility, Whiro encourages people to do evil.
When the gods are angered and want to put some person to death, they summon a lizard that enters him and eats out vital internal organs.
However, the lizard can often be found in the form of jewelry products or in artistic wood carvings. In this case, the lizard's evil power is harnessed to protect humans. Despite the gecko's fear of contact with Whiro, it is considered a guardian and protector by the Maori.
Tortoise - navigator
The turtle symbol in the form of a pendant or tattoo plays an important role in Maori culture. It is a symbol of perseverance, long life and happiness.
The Pacific Ocean is considered by Polynesians to be an inexhaustible source of food, as well as a place to stay after death. The turtle, which moves both on land and in the sea, gives Polynesians hope that it will guide them across the ocean to their resting place after death.
Taniwha - a mythical being
Taniwha is a figure from the mythical world of the Maori people and likes to hide in the depths of the ocean, in rivers, ponds, swamps and caves. With her ability to change her appearance, she inspires fear among many Maori. In the water, for example, it can take on the appearance of a shark, whale or octopus. On land, it transforms into a dragon, a huge lizard (with or without wings) or even a snake with fiery eyes and a wide mouth.
Although this creature kidnaps people, imprisons them, kills and eats them, it is considered by the Maori to be part of the natural environment.
If Taniwha is treated with respect, it can become a guardian and protector for humans.
Manaia - Maori guardian angel
According to Maori legend, the mythical being Manaia is a messenger between the earthly world of the living and the spiritual world of the dead. The traditional Manaia figure has a human body, a bird's head and a fish tail. It indicates the Maori people's strong connection to their beliefs and spiritual world.
Manaia is often depicted with a hand with three fingers, which symbolize birth, life and death, and thus define the cycle of human life. If the fourth finger is also visible, it signifies life in the hereafter, and thus the completion of the cycle.
Manaia, with its great spiritual energy, is man's guardian against evil and a guardian angel for protection against dangers. At the same time, he takes care of the balance between Heaven, Earth and Water.
Toki - an important tool
The shape of the Toki represents the blade of an axe. Made of stone, the tool was used by the Maori in their daily work for felling and processing trees, building boats, decorating houses, and sometimes as a weapon. The toki was passed down from generation to generation.
The Toki is a symbol of strength, authority and good character. An amulet in the form of a Toki was bestowed only on close people; such a gift was a great honor for them.
Mere - overcoming obstacles
Is a Maori symbol of overcoming difficulties in life. It stems from the warrior nature of the Maori and is a weapon-mere, often used during armed conflicts.
Kotuku - white heron
This is a very rare species of bird in New Zealand and Maori mythology gives it a special meaning. Kotuku is a symbol of prestige, purity and uniqueness. Comparing someone to Kotuku is a unique compliment among Maori.
Kotuku is a messenger of the spirit world, a link between the world of the living and the dead.
Kaka poria - Kaka ring
Kaka, is the Maori name for large parrots (Nestor meridionalis) with green-brown plumage. The Maori used Kaka as food and domesticated birds as bait to catch wild parrots. Bone or stone rings up to 18 inches in diameter prevented the birds from flying away. When the rings were not in use, they were worn as amulets. Kaka cut from green stone were especially valuable.
Porowhita - circle
The circle form signifies in Maori, as in many other cultures, the uninterrupted rolling of life and its infinity. This shape symbolizes the belief that life has neither beginning nor end. The circle, like the spiral, is a metaphor for an endless journey full of discovery. Porowhita reminds people of the importance of constantly moving forward.
The symbols listed above are only part of the designs found in the rich Maori culture. When buying a pendant or deciding on a Maori tattoo, it is advisable to be aware of what the symbol means.
