Maori Art

Celie Intering
The Maori’s art has various faces: paintings, tattoos, sculptures, dances and songs. This art is from a Polynesian one. Let’s have a look through some work of art.

Maori’s tattoos have been practiced for a thousand years. It was used for knowing the rank, the genealogy and the history, of the man (or woman), who had it. It was also a mark of beauty and ferocity. Ta Moko is the traditional facial tattooing and often it is really long to complete. Only the important persons could have a Moko. Women were usually only allowed to have a tattoo around their lips, chin and nostrils. Men can have it on the whole face. Tattoos on arms show the heritage from the mother and the father. Lastly, tattoos on thighs are called puhora.

The Tiki, or Hei-Tiki when it is suspended on the neck, is made from wood or stone (sometimes bones). It looks like a grotesque human form. The Tiki was the first man on Earth according to the Maori’s mythology. But it is also a kind of sculpture, which houses a spirit. The bigger ones are usually in sacred or significant sites. The Hei-Tiki is traditionally made of Greenstone (a very expensive, hard and durable nephrite jade).

The Kapahaka regroups songs, dances and the Haka. It expresses the heritage through these actions. Men do the Haka, when women support them behind. They show anger and ferocity, with aggressive facial expressions, body movements, grimaces and hard foot stamping. Haka has to be as menacing as possible. Maoris used it before wars. Another part of the Kapahaka is the action songs. This time women are in the front supported by Men behind. Women use a poi (little ball attached to a cord). They sing, dance and move the poi at the same time. It’s a synchronization of action, posture, sound and poi.

Maoris sculpt various kinds of objects. The Koru is the main symbol on sculptures. It is a stylized fern, which symbolizes new life, growth and peace. As well, the Air New Zealand’s logo is a Koru.

Hei-Matau is usually made in bones or greenstone. It is a carving pendant, which seems like a stylized fishhook. It represents strength, good luck and safe travel across the water.

In conclusion, the Maori’s art is a really beautiful and precise work. It is the picture of  New Zealand’s heritage. The 20th century has seen a resurgence of the Maori population and enthusiasm for their endangered arts. Maori people will continue their efforts to keep this wonderful and interesting cultural art alive.