Māori Digital Art


 
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Manaia

 

The Manaia is an ancient symbol and could be said to be one of the primary elements in Whakairo Māori carving today. It is often seen in various styles contorted and twisted into many shapes and forms to represent a birdman with its distinctive beak like appearance.While there are many interpretations as to the meaning of Manaia , it represents two of the most visible celestial bodies in the sky. The beak represents the half moon, while the circle or head represents Tama nui te Rā, the sun.

Hei Tiki

 

The Hei Tiki or Tiki is an ancient symbol worn as a green stone ornament around the neck by men and woman. The popular understanding is that it is a symbol of fertility and growth. There is reference with the Tiki to the myth of the first man created by Tāne.

Whānau (Family)

The elements of whānau (family) is universal throughout the world signifying the family unit.