Taka = Revolution, Rotation
Rangi = Heavens, Heavenly realm
Introduction
Maori visual arts are a key part of their culture, working as an important way to pass down history, spiritual beliefs, and how their society is structured from generation to generation. This artistic tradition is strongly connected to the natural world, showing a deep link between culture and the environment. Among the many symbols in Maori art, the Takarangi is a particularly meaningful and significant representation of their cosmology and spirituality. This symbol appears in various art forms, especially in the detailed craft of carving (whakairo) and possibly also in weaving (raranga).
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.
Takarangi pendant: The Eye of Nga Atua
(The Eye of The Gods)
This text will explore the Maori Takarangi symbol in detail, looking at its meaning, symbolism, and different uses. It will start by examining where the word comes from and its early historical references. Then, it will analyze the symbol's interpretations, visual features, and traditional uses in various Maori art forms. The text will also discuss regional differences and connections to iwi (tribes), how it has changed over time, and its importance today. Finally, it will compare the Takarangi to other important Maori symbols to better understand its unique place in Maori culture.
Etymology and Historical Context
The term "Takarangi" has a significant meaning in the Maori language. It comes from two main words: "Taka," which means revolution or rotation, and "Rangi," which refers to the heavens or the heavenly realm. Put together, Takarangi is often understood to mean "swirling heaven" or "revolving heavens." This origin immediately suggests a strong connection to the sky, indicating the symbol's deeper meaning related to the universe.
Symbolism and Meaning
The Takarangi symbol has a deep cosmological meaning in Maori culture, closely tied to their understanding of the universe and spirituality. It's seen as a representation of humanity's celestial origins, believed to mark the very beginning of the Universe. A key part of its symbolism is the depiction of two intersecting solid spirals, representing Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatuanuku (Earth Mother) and their close bond. This representation is connected to the Maori creation myth, which tells the story of the original union and later separation of the sky and earth, a fundamental story in their worldview.
The visual structure of the Takarangi also emphasizes the concept of Te Ao Marama, the World of Light and Knowledge. The open space between the two solid spirals symbolizes this realm, representing the entry of light and knowledge into existence after Ranginui and Papatuanuku were separated. Furthermore, this space signifies the important connection that humans have with the Wairua, the spiritual dimension.
The Takarangi embodies the fundamental principle of balance and duality that is present throughout the Maori worldview. It symbolizes the harmonious interaction between opposing forces like light and dark, and the physical and spiritual worlds. This dynamic balance is also reflected in its representation of the continuous cycle of life and decay, where growth and fading are seen as connected and interdependent parts of existence. The very center of the Takarangi has its own symbolic importance, representing the origin of all things, the starting point of creation, or a state of singularity.
Beyond these cosmological meanings, the Takarangi also represents Whakapapa, or genealogy. In some cases, notches included between the coils of the spiral are used to signify different generations, visually linking people to their ancestral lineage. Additionally, the double spiral form is seen to represent the male and female descent lines originating from Ranginui and Papatuanuku, tracing a parallel origin through time to the present day.
Visual Characteristics
The Takarangi symbol is visually characterized by its distinct intersecting double spiral form. This pattern typically features two parallel spirals that are not directly connected but are positioned to intersect, creating a dynamic visual flow. These spirals are understood to signify a journey, representing both a beginning and a continuous movement forward in life. A key visual element of the Takarangi is the deliberate use of space. The solid spirals are intentionally separated by open areas, and this space holds significant meaning. It is often interpreted as representing the entry of light and knowledge into the world, a crucial aspect of the Māori creation narrative.
This concept of "space" goes beyond a purely visual interpretation, connecting to the Māori concept of "te wā," which includes both time and space. This idea of "te wā" signifies the importance of reflection, absorption, and the intrinsic link between the past and the present. The way the spirals interlock and intersect visually emphasizes the close relationship and interdependence between Earth and Sky, Papatuanuku and Ranginui. This visual connection mirrors the mythological story of their initial union and subsequent separation, highlighting the ongoing relationship between these fundamental forces. This interlocking can also be seen as representing the magnetic attraction of opposing forces, further emphasizing the theme of balance within the symbol. While the main form is the intersecting double spiral, variations in spiral forms exist within Māori art.
Traditional Uses in Maori Art
The Takarangi pattern has been traditionally used in various Maori art forms, with a notable presence in carving (whakairo). In carving, the Takarangi is not just a decorative motif but also serves practical purposes. For example, it is often carved onto the prow of a waka (canoe), where the spiral design is believed to provide added stability and balance, helping the canoe navigate wind and waves more effectively. This application shows the intricate understanding of the environment and the integration of artistic expression with practical functionality in Maori craftsmanship. The Takarangi also decorates many carved meeting houses (wharenui), which are central to Maori communal and cultural life. The presence of the Takarangi on these important structures emphasizes its significance within the broader cultural and spiritual context.
Evidence from the early 20th century, such as the "Tauira (He Takarangi carving pattern)" created by Anaha Te Rahui in 1909, indicates that the Takarangi was recognized as a distinct and named carving pattern during that time. Furthermore, the Takarangi is used in carvings on war canoes and houses to visually separate complete human figures, including the manaia, or the heads of such figures. A specific example from Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) illustrates this, describing a pare (lintel) where figures are separated by takarangi spirals, symbolizing the turbulence at the moment of creation.
While the provided research material doesn't explicitly detail the use of the Takarangi in traditional Maori weaving (raranga) as much as in carving, the spiral motif in general is a significant element in kōwhaiwhai patterns. These are elaborate scroll designs often painted on meeting houses and canoes. These kōwhaiwhai patterns, featuring spirals that can represent interconnectedness and cosmological narratives, may have influenced or been expressed in weaving designs as well.
Contemporary Significance and Evolution
The Takarangi symbol has maintained its significance and remains a powerful and enduring element in Maori culture, representing fundamental aspects of their cosmology, spirituality, and artistic heritage. It continues to be actively used in contemporary Maori art, jewelry, and various design contexts.
Takarangi pendant: The Eye of Nga Atua
(The Eye of The Gods)