New Zealand is known as the land of "Lord of the Rings" and "Narinia" by North Americans. We know it as an eco-friendly destination. A place where the land is still lush and green. And it is all of that.
But for those people who lived here first. New Zealand is known as the land of the long white cloud or Aotearoa. The polynesians that were here before Europeans are now called Maori. They are divided up into their own "iwi" or nations and as an outsider, I cannot give you the experience of the richness of this culture, but I can give you the basics.
Maori culture is rich with customs, skills, art, music and dance. If you are a rugby fan, you are familiar with the All Blacks and their Haka prior to the start of every game. This is a series of chanting and accompanying stances which is used to intimidate your opponent before battle. It is formidable to see live and is only performed before battle or to honor others. So if you are lucky enough to see a haka be grateful.
As part of the many skills Maori acquire, carving is one that anyone interested in jewelry should take note. There are traditional methods of carving and certain symbols which mean various things. Carvings would be made from native wood, bone, or greenstone and may be inlay with shell or paua.
Learning to carve is passed down from one master carver to the next generation and the carvings are usually one of a kind. Here are some carvings and the meanings behind them.
The Manaia is an ancient mythical being. It has the head of a bird and a body of a serpent or a human. A Mania is the messenger between earthly beings and the spirit world. It is a symbol of protection against evil and holds great spiritual power.
You would wear the Mania symbol when you feel you need extra protection and as a power against evil. The style of design varies from iwi to iwi.
A Hei-Matau or hook represent prosperity,abundance, fertility and strength. They are also seen as good luck charms, and brings luck to those traveling over water. Hei-Matau are symbols of power and authority which are held in great reverence by the Maori people. This example is very stylized, but the warrior above is wearing a simpler version of this hook pendant.
A Koru represents a fern frond, so it is the symbol of new beginnings. It also represents peace, tranquility and spirituality. The Koru is used to represent the strength and purity of loving family relationships.
A Twist is the symbol of life and love. A single twist represents the joining of two people but a multiple twist or infinity twist also represents the joining of two people or cultures together as well. They also refer the the three baskets of knowledge.
Buy Original Carvings at :
The Bone Art Place
Genuine hand crafted Maori Bone, Jade & Pearl carvings and gifts from New Zealand
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