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Maori Carving - Reading Kowhaiwhai
Examples of Kowhaiwhai patterns, what area they are from and what the mean.




Reading Kowhaiwhai

maori.org.nz acknowledge
Kemera Wilson
for providing this information.

Kowhaiwhai patterns as well as being decorative are also used for enhancing the story.

Nature is often the inspiration for these beautiful and stunning patterns which are often found on the rafters of the meeting houses.

Below are some of the common patterns found throughout the Maori world as well as their generic meanings and where they are from.

Kaperua
From the Tai Rawhiti
Kaperua design
This pattern represents things doubled.


Koiri
From the Tai Rawhiti
Koiri Design
This pattern means to flourish.


Mangopare
From Aotearoa.
Mangopare Design
This design comes from the hammerhead shark and represents strength and power.


Mangotipi
From Mataatua, Tuhoe.
Mangotipi design
This design comes from the white pointer shark.


Ngaru
From Ngati Kahungunu
Ngaru Design
This design represents the cutting of the waves when the waka travelled.


Patiki
From Pare Hauraki
Patiki Design
The design represents the Patiki or flounder. It is a symbol of hospitality. Another version of this design can be found in the Tukutuku section of the slide show.


Puhoro
From Te Arawa
Puhoro Design
This design represents speed, swiftness and agility.


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Kemera Wilson
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Links
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Whakairo Products
Kai Tahu Taoka - Treasures from the Otago Museum
Kai Tahu Taoka - Treasures from the Otago Museum
  by Otago Museum

 
Ta Moko: The Art of Maori Tattoo
Ta Moko: The Art of Maori Tattoo
  by David Simmons

 
An Illustrated Guide to Maori Art
An Illustrated Guide to Maori Art
  by Terence Barrow

 
Whatu Kakahu: Maori Cloaks
Whatu Kakahu: Maori Cloaks
  by Awhina Tamarapa

 
Painted Histories: Early Maori Figurative Painting
Painted Histories: Early Maori Figurative Painting
  by Roger Neich

 
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