In this article we invite you to know everything about the maori symbols a set of symbols that are used by this society that originated in New Zealand and have been used as tattoos that represent strength, courage, prosperity and attract good luck. Keep reading and find out everything!
Maori symbols
The Maori are a Polynesian ethnic group that landed on the New Zealand Islands that are located in the South Pacific Ocean. This ethnic group possibly came from the islands that were further north, such as the islands of Rarotonga or Tongatapu. The word Maori means something common or normal in the Maori language.
These ethnic groups stand out for the Maori symbols since they are their way of making art and are made in various ways with materials such as bone, wood and jade. In addition, various murals and tattoos were made that are very important as symbols of the Maori and the culture they represent.
This is because the Maori began to pass on their culture and history through oral communication and through Maori symbols. This is known before the Europeans reached the shores of Aotearoa. In this way the Maori word means "the land of the great white cloud"
With the oral tradition and the Maori symbols, they became a very prominent means of transmitting information, as well as stories and legends of the popular beliefs of that people.
In this way each of the Maori symbols has its own meaning and purpose. But at the same time many of these Maori symbols represent many meanings as they refer to various Maori myths and popular beliefs.
History of Maori symbols
In the culture of New Zealand the Maori symbols have their origin or beginning in the underground world known as Uetonga. It is said that there is an ancient legend where the adventures of a warrior known as Mataora who falls in love with the princess of the underworld known as Niwaka are narrated. This princess went up to Earth to be able to marry this warrior. But Mataora, as he did not know the art of tattooing, only painted on his skin.
At one point the warrior mistreated the princess who was offended and returned to the underground world. The warrior Mataora, feeling guilty and sad, went down to that world to apologize to the princess and her family for being there with the painting that had been placed on her body, it spread and the king of the underworld laughed at him. .
The king decided to teach him the technique and art "ta moko" so that he could be tattooed permanently. After the Mataora Warrior learned it he taught it to the Maori people from him. That is why before the Europeans arrived in these lands, people with high rank in Maori society were tattooed with Maori symbols so that when they left the island they would be considered of high social status.
Types of Maori Symbols
In the Maori culture, it is one of the most complex cultures that exists since they use many Maori symbols of which the meaning is secret and only those people who belong to that clan know the meaning. In this way, its purpose is to take care of the wealth that exists of Maori symbols and their own culture. Next, the main Maori symbols that have transcended since ancient times and what their main meaning is will be described.
grove
It is one of the Maori symbols most used by people as a tattoo since this symbol represents a new beginning, growth and harmony in the person, it will always see an eternal return of peace. This Maori symbol is based on a fern that has a circular shape that emits a shape that is believed to always be in perpetual motion.
The shape that it carries inside suggests to the observer of the fern a return to its point of origin in order to start again, that is why this is one of the Maori symbols that will represent the change of life and staying the same.
But it is not only used as a tattoo since it is one of the Maori symbols that is worn hanging on a Maori necklace because it represents a spiritual power to the person who possesses it. It is also one of the Maori symbols that emanates authority and prestige to the person who wears it around their neck.
“As one fern dies, another is born to take its place”
manaia
It is another of the most used Maori symbols as it provides the wearer with the security they need on Earth, in the sky and in the sea.
This Maori symbol is depicted as a mythological creature in Maori culture and is a very common motif in Maori carving and jewelry.
This Maori symbol is always depicted carved in profile with one part of the body having the head of a bird, another part having the body of a man and finally the tail of a fish. In other interpretations it is made adapting the figure of a seahorse and a lizard.
In Maori tradition and culture the Manaia symbol is believed to be the messenger between the earthly world of mortals and the world where spirits rule. This Maori symbol is used as a guardian against evil and negative energies.
That is why it is always symbolized in the form of an eight. Where the top half is shaped like a bird's head and the bottom half is shaped like a fish's tail. Although these Maori symbols are represented in the form of iwi.
Many are represented with three fingers to represent the trinity of birth, life and death. Although on special occasions a fourth finger is added, which will have as its main purpose to demonstrate the circular rhythms of life and the future life as demonstrated on various occasions in Maori symbols.
Pikorua Maori Symbol
It is another of the Maori symbols that stands out for its shape, although it is a fern that grows in the shady and humid areas of the New Zealand forests and has a pale green color. Its shape is used as a Maori symbol that will represent the intertwining of the beginning and end. This refers in the culture and custom of this society to the eternal bond that exists between two autonomous entities.
These entities in Maori culture can be two people. In this way, the symbol known as Pikorua has to demonstrate that people who follow their own path in their journey through life, always come together again due to the strong ties that unites them, that is why the description that the Pikorua symbol has is demonstrated. which "The way of love and life".
Another description given to the Maori symbol of Pikorua is that of "pending friendship of two people". This makes the strength and beauty that exists in friendship are lasting and the lives of these people are interwoven. This symbol is inspired by the growth and life of two people or perfect lovers.
It is also represented in newlyweds and brides who wish to have a more perfect and stronger connection with their partner. As well as enhance love, loyalty and friendship.
It is also one of the Maori symbols that give a vision of turning between the change of life and eternity. In this context it refers to the love or the bond that exists between two people and in this way it will never disappear even if they separate for an indefinite time.
That is why the Pikorua is one of the Maori symbols that will resemble the path of two people who must always stay together even if the paths they take are separation because one day they will be together. Therefore, the necklace that symbolizes the Pikorua is a very popular gift among couples and lovers.
Hei tiki
Being one of the Maori symbols that will represent a famous ancestor that is associated with fertility and the virtuous virtues of the Maori woman. This Maori symbol is associated with marriage and family. The husband gave it to his wife as a hei-tiki is given when the wife cannot get pregnant.
It is also said that when this Maori symbol is suspended around the neck, this symbol tends to turn dark. Because he represents a father or a guardian who is directed to the person along the path of good.
After the person dies, this symbol is used in a necklace to later keep it and give it to the next generation.
Toki–Adze
It is a tool but at the same time it is used as one of the Maori symbols that is used as an ax in ceremonies by the Toki Pou Tangata and Taonga ethnic groups since it is handled by the leaders of the tribes.
It is a symbol that will represent the strength and value that the person has since it is one of the tools that, when used, must be very strong and only the most important people of the tribe had the capacity and responsibility to use it, that is why It is a very important symbol in Maori society.
Fish Hook Hei Matau
Popularly known as the fish hook, it is one of the Maori symbols that refers to prosperity, abundance and good luck. As well as good health and safe passage through the seas, this Maori symbol is very particular since it evolved from a tool that was used for ordinary fishing.
In other words, it went from being a simple tool to Maori jewelry and crafts, being a piece of great value for the society that uses it to attract prosperity and good luck.
It is said that there is a story thousands of years ago where the Maori community lived by fishing in the seas. That is why fishing is so important for this society since it was a method used for subsistence. In this way the hook was not simply a tool but a great Maori symbol for survival.
It has also been listed as one of the most prestigious badges for the good luck it brings to the person who wears it. Although it should be noted that it was first used as a necklace to prevent it from being lost over time, it became a highly valued piece in Maori jewelry, with more ornaments and details being added, which today has many meanings.
The tattoo as Maori symbols
In Maori culture, Maori symbols are widely used in the form of tattoos and today it is highly revered due to the beliefs and customs of Maori society. Maori have considered the most sacred part of the body to be the head. In this way many people decide to get some tattoos on that part of the body.
The most used tattoos are those where a curve is made and those with spiral motifs. Men often wear tattoos that cover the entire face, but these people occupy a privileged place in the society where they work.
The parts of the face fulfill a special function to be able to get a tattoo with one of the Maori symbols, among which the following parts of the face stand out:
Ngakaipikirau: they are two triangular areas that meet down the midline of the forehead. This position indicates how is the mood of the person. It is a very special site and can only be done by those who have inherited a special status in Maori society.
Ngunga: They are two triangular areas that are centered on the upper part of the eyebrows. The tattoos that are made in that area with the Maori symbols mark the position that they have in life in the tribe.
Uirere: It is located on both sides of the nose and from the corners of the eyes lengthwise at a point at the level of the nose and represents affiliation with the tribe.
Uma: it is the area from the temples of the person to the center of the ears when tattoos are made on this part of the face it represents information about the father or mother of the individual.
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