Hei Manaia: Guardians of Spiritual Well-being
The Hei Manaia, characterized by a stylized humanoid form with a curved beak-like extension, serves as a guardian of spiritual well-being. This enchanting pendant symbolizes protection, positivity, and the harmonious balance between the spiritual and earthly realms. Uncover the spiritual significance behind the Manaia's form and how it continues to play a vital role in Maori culture.
Pekapeka: Embracing the Symbolism of Bats
Explore the symbolism of the Pekapeka, a unique Maori necklace featuring intricately carved bat figures. While bats might seem an unusual choice, they hold special significance in Maori culture, representing intuition, communication, and the ability to navigate through life's challenges. Delve into the symbolism embedded in the Pekapeka and the cultural stories it encapsulates.
Exploring Our Maori Necklaces: A Connection to Heritage
As we marvel at the diversity of Maori necklaces, we invite you to explore our curated collection that captures the essence of these cultural treasures. Each piece is a testament to the craftsmanship, symbolism, and stories that make Maori necklaces truly extraordinary. Discover your own connection to Maori heritage and wear a piece of history with pride.
Conclusion:
The Maori Necklace, whether it be the iconic Hei Tiki, the prosperity-bringing Hei Matau, the spiritually significant Hei Manaia, or the symbolically rich Pekapeka, offers a window into the depth of Maori culture. As we celebrate the artistry, craftsmanship, and symbolism of these necklaces, let us honor the resilience and traditions of the Maori people. Explore the enchanting world of Maori necklaces and consider bringing a piece of this rich heritage into your own life.
Discover Our Maori Necklaces:
Immerse yourself in the beauty and cultural significance of Maori necklaces by exploring our curated collection for sale. Each piece is a unique expression of Maori inspired artistry, carrying the stories and traditions of the indigenous people of Aotearoa. Don't miss the opportunity to embrace the power and your inner warrior with our Maori necklaces.
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The Maori Heru: A Symbol of Rank and Beauty:
The Heru, meticulously carved from wood, whale bone, or individual comb 'teeth' bound together, served as more than a mere functional hair accessory. It was a visual cue to the rank of the wearer within the community. Worn predominantly by men, the Heru played a vital role in fastening long hair into topknots, showcasing not only practicality but also a deep cultural significance.
The Putiki Style and Ornamental Variations:
Maori hairstyles, often gathered in the putiki style, were adorned with large combs of peculiar shapes, crafted from materials ranging from the thin portion of a sperm whale's jaw to the hard, resinous heart of the kahikatea pine. The intricate patterns, such as tapuwae kotuku, showcased the craftsmanship of binding hard wood pieces together with fine flax lashings. Women, too, embellished their heads with delicate ornaments, including snowy down-like epidermis from the Astelia or Celmisia leaf.
Cultural Changes and Adaptations:
With the impact of colonization, significant changes occurred in Maori hairstyles and adornments. Men adopted shorter hairstyles, and feathers from introduced birds replaced those of indigenous species. The use of carved bone combs transitioned to being adopted by women, showcasing the adaptability of Maori traditions in the face of external influences.
Heru: Beyond Functionality:
The Heru transcends its functional purpose, becoming a symbol of mana and prestige. As a traditional Maori hair ornament, it is not only a tangible expression of cultural identity but also a reflection of the wearer's status and connection to heritage. Today, Heru continues to be carved from various types of wood or bone, proudly worn by both men and women.
Feathers and Headdresses:
The Maori relationship with feathers extends beyond combs. The red streamer-like tail feathers of the amokura, the precious huia feathers, and the use of white dorsal plumes from the breeding kōtuku all played significant roles in headdresses, adding layers of meaning to personal adornment.
Conclusion:
The Maori Heru and hairstyles encapsulate a profound journey of cultural expression, adaptation, and resilience. From traditional topknots adorned with elegant combs to the symbolic significance of feathers in headdresses, each element tells a story of identity and connection to the land. As these traditions persist and evolve, the Maori people continue to weave their heritage into the fabric of the present, ensuring that the elegance of the Heru and the tales within each hairstyle endure for generations to come.
Origins and Composition
The lei niho palaoa is a distinctive feature of Hawaiian nobility attire. Crafted with meticulous detail, these necklaces were primarily made from whale teeth, intricately carved into a hook shape. Suspended by plaited human hair, these ornate pieces of jewelry served as markers of genealogical lineage from the gods.
Symbolism and Significance
The term "lei" encompasses neck and head ornaments, while "palaoa" specifically refers to the whale tooth. The combination of these elements in the lei niho palaoa was not merely ornamental; it carried profound meaning. This unique piece of regalia symbolized the wearer's connection to the divine, signifying their descent from the gods themselves.
Nobility and Rank
The lei niho palaoa was a symbol of prestige and nobility among the Hawaiian aliʻi. As part of their formal regalia, these hook-shaped pendants were worn on special occasions, marking the wearer's high rank. In a society with a hereditary line of rulers, the noho aliʻi, the lei niho palaoa played a crucial role in distinguishing the aristocracy.
Mana and Connection to Kanaloa
The scarcity of the palaoa, coupled with its connection to Kanaloa (the deity associated with the ocean), brought a sense of mana, or spiritual power. The carver, the pendant itself, and the wearer were believed to possess this divine energy, creating a profound connection to the natural world and the gods.
Crafting and Variations
Lei niho palaoa came in various forms and materials, not limited to whale ivory. Precontact versions were less than two inches in length and crafted from shell, bone, wood, stone, and coral. Some were even strung on twisted human hair, showcasing the artisan's skill and dedication.
The Aliʻi: Hereditary Nobility
The wearers of the lei niho palaoa, the aliʻi, were the traditional nobility in Hawaiian society. Descended from the deities, they held a hereditary position of power and governance. The aliʻi encompassed various classes, including kahuna, who were priestesses, priests, experts, craftsmen, and canoe makers.
In conclusion, the lei niho palaoa is not just a piece of jewelry; it's a cultural artifact representing the spiritual and social tapestry of the Hawaiian islands. Worn by the aliʻi, it connected them to their divine lineage and marked their elevated status in society. Today, these intricate necklaces continue to be revered as symbols of a rich heritage and a testament to the craftsmanship and spiritual beliefs of the Hawaiian people.
]]>The Maori people of New Zealand have a rich tradition of storytelling, and among the most beloved of their myths and legends is the story of the god Maui.
Maui was a mischievous and clever demigod, the son of Taranga, the wife of Makeatutara. He was known for his cunning and his strength, and was said to have performed many great feats throughout his life.
One of the most famous of Maui's exploits was his attempt to fish up the North Island of New Zealand, which was then known as Te Ika a Maui (The Fish of Maui). According to the legend, Maui and his brothers were out fishing one day when they hooked a massive fish. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to bring the fish to shore, so Maui decided to use his magical powers to help them.
He transformed himself into a bird and flew down to the fish, pecking at its eyes and blinding it. The fish thrashed about in pain, and Maui and his brothers were able to haul it onto the shore. As the fish struggled, it began to take on the shape of an island, and Maui realized that he had fished up the North Island of New Zealand.
Another of Maui's famous feats was his attempt to steal fire from the underworld. The Maori people believed that fire had been stolen from them by the god Tama-nui-te-ra, and Maui decided to try and steal it back. He journeyed to the underworld, where he found the fire guarded by the fierce kaitiaki (guardians).
Maui tricked the kaitiaki into letting him handle the fire, and then quickly stole it and ran back to the surface. However, the kaitiaki soon realized what had happened and chased after him. Maui was able to outrun them and bring the fire back to his people, but he was badly burnt in the process.
Despite his many accomplishments, Maui was not immortal, and he eventually met his demise at the hands of the goddess Hine-nui-te-po. According to the legend, Hine-nui-te-po had a magic jawbone that she used to kill all those who tried to enter her domain. Maui, who was always up for a challenge, decided to try and enter the underworld anyway.
As he approached Hine-nui-te-po's domain, she attacked him with her jawbone, and he was killed. However, his death was not in vain, as he had managed to open up the underworld for his people, allowing them to enter the realm of the dead.
The story of Maui is an important part of Maori culture, and he remains a beloved figure to this day. His deeds are celebrated in song and dance, and he continues to inspire people with his bravery and cunning. Despite his tragic end, Maui remains a symbol of the power of the human spirit to overcome any obstacle.
Taka = Revolution, Rotation / Rangi = Heavens, Heavenly realm
The Takarangi is an intersecting double spiral pattern that signifies humanity’s celestial origin born at the beginning of the Universe.
Used widely in Maori carvings and art, the Takarangi double spiral uses space to separate it’s two solid spirals; it is this space that allows us to see the spirals.
The two intersecting solid spirals represent Ranginui and Papatuanuku (Sky father and earth Mother) and the close bond they share. The center of the Takarangi represents the origin of all, the begining, singularity. The open space between the two spirals symbolises Te Ao Marama (The World of light and Knowledge) and the link man has with the Wairua (Spiritual dimension).
Takarangi
A symbol of light and dark,
Physical and spiritual,
Growth and decay,
The dynamic circles of life.
As one grows,
another fades away.
When Ranginui
was separated from
Papatuanuku,
the light came in
and the world of today,
Te Ao Marama
came to exist.
In the heart of Maori history lies a mysterious relic, 'The Korotangi,' a sacred and remarkable stone bird that embarked on an extraordinary journey from the ancient homeland of Hawaiki to Aotearoa. Carved from a green mineral known as serpentine, originating from China and Indonesia, this enigmatic artifact has captured the imagination of scholars and enthusiasts alike. In this blog post, we delve into the intriguing tale of Korotangi, its origins, significance, and the mystical role it played in the lives of the Maori people.
The Origins and Material:
The Korotangi, measuring 10.25 inches (26.5 cms) and weighing 4 lb (1.81kg), is a testament to craftsmanship beyond the knowledge of the Pacific people. Carved with metal tools unfamiliar to the Maori, it is widely believed to be of Indonesian origin, dating back to around 790 AD. The green serpentine used in its creation suggests a connection to China and Indonesia, raising questions about the trade routes and cultural exchanges that might have led to its presence in Aotearoa.
The Mysterious Journey:
The circumstances surrounding how the Korotangi came into the possession of the Maori ancestors and found its place aboard the Tainui canoe remain shrouded in mystery. Theories abound, speculating whether it was a gift from its original owners in Hawaiki or lost by a group of travelers passing through Indonesia. The journey of this stone bird, possibly mined in Sulawesi and carved in Java or Formosa Island, may have followed trade routes from Jakarta, an Arab-held trading port at the time.
The Korotangi as Protector and Oracle:
Legend has it that the Korotangi played a pivotal role during the long voyages, serving as a protecting power and oracle. Credited with ensuring the safe arrival of immigrants after traversing 13,000 miles, the stone bird became a taonga—a sacred treasure. Interpreted as "the crying dove," it holds mana and tapu, embodying prestige, authority, spiritual power, and sacredness. Its connection with the past and ancestors is revered, demanding respect to maintain harmony between the world of the dead and the living.
War and Consultation:
For generations, the Kawhia Maoris safeguarded the Korotangi, utilizing its mystical influence during war times. Placed on a hillside near battle scenes, the bird served as a consultative tool, with the war party gathering around to seek its guidance. Its influence on the fortunes of battle made it an invaluable asset during times of conflict.
Rediscovery and Repatriation:
Around 1880, the Korotangi was discovered buried in Kawhia, entwined in the roots of a fallen Manuka tree—a strategic move by the Tainui keepers to hide it during inter-tribal warfare. After nearly a century in the wrong hands, the Maori treasure was returned to the Tainui people in 1995 as part of the government settlement under the Treaty of Waitangi. Today, the Korotangi resides in Ngaruawahia, a testament to its enduring significance in Maori culture.
Conclusion:
The Korotangi's journey from Hawaiki to Aotearoa is a tale woven with mystery, cultural exchange, and spiritual significance. As a taonga, this stone bird symbolizes the enduring connection between the Maori people and their ancestral past. Its rediscovery and repatriation mark a poignant chapter in New Zealand's history, highlighting the importance of preserving and respecting cultural treasures that bridge the gap between the realms of the living and the dead.
What is a Tiki?
The term 'Tiki' is generally used to describe a carved human-like figure traditionally worn around the neck by both by the New Zealand Maori and other polynesians. Many believe that the name 'tiki' comes from the myth of Tiki, who was the first man created by Tane. The full name is Hei-tiki. 'Hei' means to wear around the neck.
In Maori culture, Hei Tikis are treated as family heirlooms and are worn during ceremonial occasions in New Zealand. Even if the tiki is not old, it is still highly prized by the family. The tiki is prized not only because of the precious materials and the labor-intensive process to create it but also because of the spiritual value it carries.
The Styles
Hei Tikis are were most commonly made of nephrite (known as greenstone or Pounamu) which is a highly valued stone found in southern New Zealand. Whale bone and Whale teeth were also used. Nowadays, many of the modern iterations of the Tiki are carved from Beef bone.
Tikis usually have a human shape, with a head either upright or tilted to one side. Some tikis will also feature a torso, arms, or legs as well. The eyes of the tiki are traditionally filled with red wax or Paua Shell.
Find Your Tiki
We offer a wide selection of traditionally and contemporary designed tikis for you to choose from.