Maori Symbol

Koru a symbol of maori art mimicking the fiddlehead of new ferns.

Maori symbol. Traditionally the symbol was represented as a creature with the body of a man tail of a fish and the head of a bird. The koru is the spiral shape which finds its basis on the appearance of a new unfurling silver fern frond. Maori symbols are shared across many new zealand art forms tattoo art and pounamu carving especially and have symbolism or meaning that stems from their original use hundreds of years ago. Māori symbolism including the famous haka facial tattoos and wood carvings as well as expressive iconography provides insight into a rich culture language and mythology.

Maori face tattoo maori tattoos maori symbols facial tattoos nz art maori art body adornment indigenous art aboriginal art mportant maori men always had distinctive facial tattoos often very intricate designs which were time consuming and very painful. However as time went on there have been increasingly creative and liberal takes on the appearance of the manaia. The maori koru symbol isn t only used frequently in carvings but also in the famous maori tattoos the moko the koru as a part of the tattoos represents the spiritual power authority prestige called mana of a person. The koru which represents the silver fern native to new zealand is a recurring motif in wood carving and larger artworks.

Each symbols conveys meaning and often relates to the relationship of man to nature or to ancestry. The circular shape of the koru helps to convey the idea of perpetual movement while the inner coil suggests a return to the point of origin. Here it symbolizes life strength growth and peace. It is an integral symbol in maori art tattooing and carving.

To visually represent parts of the culture belief system and history of maori. Māori symbols feature spirals curves natural images and supernatural deities. It symbolizes new life growth development and peace. In a circle there is no end or no ending point just like life.

It represents the never ending circle of life begetting life. One of the popular maori carving symbols is the closed circle with a hole in between. Its shape also conveys the idea of perpetual movement.