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One of the things the Maoris are most famous for is
their carving skill, which can readily be seen on their
meetinghouses and boats. It is also applied to a large range
of smaller goods, which make popular souvenirs and gifts.
Particularly attractive is the jewellery that is handmade
from bone (usually beef bone, as whalebone has now
been strictly regulated by the DOC) or shell, and paua,
a greenish blue iridescent coloured shell is the most popular,
and is a national speciality. The shapes of the jewellery
are based upon natural and spiritual images and have special
meaning, for example the Koru, in the shape of a curled fern
frond, is a symbol of new life and growth, and is often given
to women to encourage fertility. Another symbol you will often
see is the tiki, a small impish figure with his hands and
feet curling to meet in front of him. He represents a first
child or ancestor and is a strong symbol of good luck.
Symbolism
Carving has three main purposes in Maori culture, recording
history and events, practical construction and decoration.
The tradition of decorative carving is thought to have come
about as the Maori had no written language, so carving became
their means of story-telling, and led to the deep symbolism
related to different shapes. As part of this story-telling,
the human figure, in various form, became the most prominent
part of the designs, and figures often represent absent warriors
or ancestors, who's spirit will guard the wearer, boat or
building which bears the carving. Carving was put to practical
use in the construction of weapons from harder woods, while
the more decorative works (wall panels, canoes etc) would
be made from softer woods. Each community would have a master
craftsman, whose skill would have been passed down through
generations, and, due to their responsibility, the expert
carver would have considerable standing in the community.
The other material used for carving is Pounamu, or
Greenstone, which is in fact a form of jade.
It is found only in the south island, and has special significance,
it is valued for its beauty and spiritual qualities, and the
fact that it is such a hard stone, makes carved products even
more valuable. Despite its name, Greenstone comes in a wide
range of shades of green, from nearly white, through to brown
and almost black.
Where to buy
A particularly good places to buy Greenstone crafts are Greymouth
and Hokitika on the West Coast of the south island,
where Greenstone is found in abundance and as a result there
are numerous carving centres. Handmade shell jewellery
and other items can be found in souvenir shops and carving
centres all over the country. |
