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
From the Tai Rawhiti
This pattern represents things doubled.
Koiri
From the Tai Rawhiti
From the Tai Rawhiti
This pattern means to flourish.
Mangopare
From Aotearoa.
From Aotearoa.
This design comes from the hammerhead shark and represents strength and power.
Mangotipi
From Mataatua, Tuhoe.
From Mataatua, Tuhoe.
This design comes from the white pointer shark.
Ngaru
From Ngati Kahungunu
From Ngati Kahungunu
This design represents the cutting of the waves when the waka travelled.
Patiki
From Pare Hauraki
From Pare Hauraki
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
From Te Arawa
This design represents speed, swiftness and agility.
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