Maori Symbols and their Meanings

Throughout the history of mankind nearly all cultures have used symbolism for various purposes. Symbolism had multiple functions but the main purpose, all over the world, was to capture history. Expressions of art, whether we are talking about ancient rock wall paintings or Renaissance paintings, always have been used to transcend the finite. Other means of creating art, and in this particular case, Maori carvings, were to create social coherence.

Especially oral cultures have historically used visual symbols to retain their heritage. In many oral cultures, as in the Maori culture, symbols have plural meanings.

Initially, approximately until the 19th century, the pre-literate Maori society passed on its legacy by storytelling. Another way to remember and honor the past was by creating carvings and other art works. The Maori cultural heritage has always lived on through art. The typical symbols used in elaborate artistic traditions tell the stories of ancestors, myths, historic events, and other historical elements.

Even upon today Maori symbols tell the wonderful Maori tales and gives us an insight in their values and beliefs. That's why these symbols form such a substantial part of the national Maori identity and culture.

By reading about the meaning of these symbols one automatically learns about Maori spirituality, metaphysics, and other aspects of this intriguing Polynesian culture.

Maori whale tail - Muri Paraoa
The Whale is the most important animal in the life of the Maori. It represents the strength of their people and connection to the sea.

This symbol stands for speed and strength. It also refers to the support often shown by dolphins and whales to humans in distress. Therefore the whale tail is a symbol of protection. But also of speed, strength, success, confidence, sensitivity, and the bond between animal and human. Expresses respect for the sea and nature. Also a good luck charm providing safe passage over water.

Maori Dolphin - Papahu
The dolphin is another Maori symbol of protection. Schools of dolphins were reported to attack sharks circling around canoes. The dolphin shows affinity with the sea and nature in general. Resembles a free spirit. Nowadays the dolphin represents protection on all types of travelers.

Spiral - Koru The spiral shaped koru is a very popular Maori tribal symbol. The Koru, shaped in the form of an unfurling spiral represents the unfolding silver fern frond. It symbolizes new beginnings in life.

Koru is the Maori word for "bight" or "loop" and refers to new shoots of the silver fern. The circular movement towards an inner coil refers to 'going back to the beginning'. The unfurling frond itself is symbolic for new life, hope, perfection, rebirth, a new start, awakening, personal growth, hope, purity, nurturing, a new phase (in life), the spirit of rejuvenation, and peace.

The koru design is an integral symbol in Maori art forms. Both on itself as well as incorporated in more intricate designs such as carvings and Maori facial tattoos.

Maori Fish Hook - (Hei) Matau The Maori peoples historically lived from fishery. The Maori fish hook symbol refers to being dependent on the sea for their food gathering.

Since the main Maori food source was the sea, a fish hook of high quality was a valuable item to posses. Worn around the neck (hei) the hook became a symbol of prosperity, abundance, good health, power, authority, and respect for the sea and its life in it.

It is also believed to provide good luck and safety while traveling over water. It also signifies the first Maori man, who is believed to be a descendant of the stars. The matau is a talisman for good luck.

Twist - Pikuroa I might be wrong here but I believe this is the most popular Maori symbol today. The Maori single twist symbol consists of a closed loop with three knots. Pikorua, as the Maori name this symbol, refers to eternal emerging paths in life. This way it stands for the bond between two people, their loyalty and friendship. Or, in case of the triple twist, for the connection between large groups of people such as communities or cultures.

The eight-shaped single twist symbolizes the strength of the bond between two people. It signifies the spiritual merger of two people for eternity. Although people will take different paths in their lives they will always be connected and will return to each other. The twist is a powerful statement of loyalty, friendship, and love.

Double and Triple Twist are also eternity symbols. Refers to the bond between peoples or cultures rather than individuals. Traditionally given as an offering of friendship between different tribes.

Maori twist symbols also refer to the so called 'three baskets of knowledge'. This is a concept that, very roughly translated, has to do with how, the for humankind necessary knowledge to survive, came to the world. According to the legend the god Tane (creator of the first man Tiki) brought down those three baskets from the heavens.

Tiki - First Man The Maori Tiki symbol is probably one of the most recognizable Maori symbols. Tiki is emblematic for the whole Polynesian hemisphere. From Hawaii to New Zealand, legends state that tiki was the first man on earth who originated from the stars. He was also the first mortal person who created the first woman after his image.

The exact meaning of the tiki symbol is disputed. There are several opinions but the most accepted are that tiki stands for fertility, and is a good luck charm meant to keep evil spirits away. Other theories state that tiki represents the human embryo, or the Maori god Tiki who was considered responsible for the creation of life.

Courtesy photo Shop New Zealand

The tiki symbol stands for fertility. The frequently occurring hands placed on the loins is a direct reference to fertility. This symbol is also a good luck charm, believed to provide the wearer great inner knowledge and clarity of thought.

Hand crafted in New Zealand by one of New Zealand's leading bone carvers. This Tiki Carving has been smoked with Manuka wood which enhances the natural bone texture.

Adze - Toki The toki is the Maori tribal symbol of strength. It's shape represents an axe head. This carving tool based symbol resembles determination, control, strength and focus honor. It was traditionally carved in stone and was passed down as a heirloom.

The toki (adze) was used by the Maori as a everyday working tool for shaving and chipping and sometimes as a weapon.

The Toki had much meaning to the Maori, it was of course an essential tool for the survival and day to day life of a Maori tribe, it was usually fashioned from stone or greenstone. The Maori also attribute the spiritual meaning of Strengh and Power to the Toki.

Kotuku - White Heron Kotuku is the Maori word for the rare White Heron bird. It is a symbol of prestige, purity, and uniqueness. One of the greatest compliments among the Maori was to liken someone to Kotuku for its signifies everything rare and beautiful. Sometimes referred to as a darling or treasure. The kotuku (white heron) is one of New Zealand's rarest birds and is held in particularly high regard in Maori mythology. This bird is featured on New Zealand's 2 dollar coin.

As with other birds, the kotuku stands for the connection between the afterlife, he is a messenger of the spirit world.

"The kotuku represents everything pure and beautiful in Maori mythology and oratory. Most importantly, the kotuku represents all the people of this land. The kotuku is a traveller, who came to this beautiful country and chose to stay." said Ken Johnston of Invercargill.

Next to the world famous kiwi bird which is emblematic to New Zealand there are some other birds featuring Maori artwork.

The huia bird, of which the long feathers were used as hair adornments by Maori chiefs and notables, is one of them. Intricately carved wooden treasure boxes used to store the huia bird feathers are a typical form of Maori art work.

The giant kaka parrot (Nestor meridionalis) was used by the Maori to assist them during the hunt for more kaka parrots. A so called kaka ring restrained the bird from flying away. These rings were both used as a tool as worn as pendant necklaces or earrings.

Torea is the Maori word for the oystercatcher bird. Despite its name suggests this wader bird does not feed on oysters but on small crabs, worms, and other small marine creatures. Here some more info and a few carved torea pendants.

Maori Guardian Angel - Manaia

The manaia symbolizes a mythical being with a bird's head a human body and fish tail. Manaia is considered the messenger between the Gods and mortals. In Maori culture the bird is thought to be an omen-carrier or intermediary between man and the spirits. That's why manaia, with its specific body shape, represents spiritual power and is seen as the guide that leads the spirits to heaven.

Sometimes the manaia symbol is described as some kind of aura; the invisible light surrounding a person.

The Manaia symbol is described in many ways. The word doubles as the word for lizard and some say it is a beaked and ornamental figure. Others think its origins are in the human profile. There is also the movement that suspects the Manaia relates to a distant avian (bird) cult.

Courtesy photo of Shop New Zealand

Parrot Ring - Kaka poria Kaka is the Maori word for the indigenous parrot (Nestor meridionalis). Kaka rings are bone or stone rings which were historically used to tether the medium sized (up to 18 inches) New Zealand parrot. The kaka were a food source and used as pets to lure wild bird during the hunt. When not in use the kaka rings were worn as pendants. The most valuable items were those crafted of pounamu. More on the Kaka Poria Wikipedia page.

Drop/ Teardrop - Roimata The teardrop symbol is also referred to as the comfort stone. It stands for healing and comfort , positive energy, reassurance. The drop is a stylized version of the toki and signifies strength, power, pride, and independence.

Circle - Porowhita The closed circle with a hole in between represents the never ending circle of life and nature. It also stands for the belief that life has no beginning or end.

Both the spiral and the circle are also described as a metaphor for

"a never-ending journey of discovery and re-discovery. The journey itself, with its indigenous perspectives and sense of orientation, is the most significant act of cultural recuperation. It reflects the importance of being on the move in the present while realizing that the path of tradition is a two-way track, it points, simultaneously, in the present towards the past and the future."

Source: The Circle & the Spiral: A Study of Australian Aboriginal and New Zealand Maori Literature

The koropepe is an eel-type fish, a mythical guardian. (pronounced cor-or-pep-eh) It is a symbol of new beginnings and youth, prosperity and abundance.

The koropepe is thought to represent the curled eel which was one of the main protein sources hundreds of years back in Maori history. Many koropepe have a coiled appearance with bird-like heads. These heads are said to possess its spiritual power. The design is a relatively modern form as no ancient examples have been found.