It was expected that all high ranking chiefs should be well versed in the art of woodcarving. When it came to carving a large project like a Marae or Canoe it was of the utmost importance that a carver never made a mistake as it could cost him his life.
It would not be seen as a physical error but as a spiritual omen. Carvings were originally carved with greenstone chisels, but with the coming of the European, metal chisels were quick to take over. Parata This is a head without a body carved in a more realistic manner.
The Parata was fixed to a canoe and the main gable to a house. Koruru Are the names of masks or faces distinguished by having bulbus eyes , owl like in appearance.
Weku Is a conventional mask, fairly stable in attitude with a figure of eight mouth, cut black eyes and a V shaped forehead. Poupou Wall panel The Poupou are carved panels that sit against the walls inside the Marae. They represent ancestors related to the tribe who belong to the Marae. They can tell a story about the ancestor or associate symbols with this character. Secondly it was carved into a finer blade and lashed to an equally ornate wooden handle. These ornate axes were only wielded by strong chiefs in the tribe and were purely ceremonial.
The toki is now worn around the neck and is said to represent strength because the toki blade had to be strong so as not to break when being used to carve waka and cut trees. And only strong chiefs with a lot of mana could wield the toki poutangata ceremonial axe. The manaia symbol is said to be a messenger between the living and the dead. It was traditionally carved with the tail of a fish, body of a man, and head of a bird but nowadays there are many stylized versions of this symbol lending themselves to the artist's design capabilities.
A lot of people wear the manaia symbol as a personal guardian with some saying it can protect against evil. The manana design is evolving a lot among pounamu carvers.
Modern carvers are combining the manaia symbol with other Maori symbols such as the marakihau sea monster in which case the manaia would have a whale tail. See if you can spot the designs that incorporate more than one symbo. The tiki symbol is said to represent Tiki, the first man in Maori myth. As time passed and the owner of the hei tiki pounamu carving died, it was passed down through the family.
This process of succession increased the mana power or prestige of the hei tiki. Many well known hei tiki were named, and so respected that they would be acknowledged by name as if living, when the wearer entered the Marae. So their main function was to connect deceased family members to the living by being worn as a sign of remembrance. Today this is an uncommon practice and they are more commonly worn around the neck as symbols of kiwi and cultural identity. Like Ta Moko and Maori tattoo, they are worn to express something about the wearer.
The fish hook symbol is said to represent prosperity and safe travel over water. It's a clever design because it incorporates both the fish and fish hook motif into one design.
The fish hook signifies abundance and plenty, strength and determination. It is believed to bring peace, prosperity and good health. It is a device for catching good luck and energy, and is believed to provide safe journey over water.
It is therefore considered a good luck charm by travellers, boaties, fishermen and surfers. Tiki The Tiki depicts the first mortal born to the Gods. It is also a strong fertility symbol, with the hands on the loins symbolising fertility. The Tiki is a good luck charm, and believed to give the wearer clarity of thought and great inner knowledge. The Manaia has a bird-like head, symbolising flight of the spirit.
Its three fingers are believed to represent birth, life and death, symbolising the life cycle of man, or alternatively, the Three Baskets of Knowledge the knowledge mankind needed from the gods, to be able to live successfully on earth. Circles The closed circle represents the circle of life, and the belief it has no beginning or end.
In bone or greenstone, it was traditionally worn by Maori elders, as it represented power, wisdom and authority.
Roimata Roimata means "tear drop", and is a stylised version of the toki, a long slim shape with rounded corners. The Roimata is a symbol of sadness, so would be given as a gesture of recognition of a person's sadness or loss, and a reassurance that you are there for them and will stand beside them. Sometimes referred to as the comfort stone. For many New Zealanders Pounamu, also known as NZ Jade or greenstone, is more than a souvenir - it has a treasured spiritual significance.
Traditional carving continues to thrive today. Let us show you the best of New Zealand on other platforms by selecting 'On' and allowing us to share data from your visit s with our partners.
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