Toi tu te kupu, toi tu te mana, toi tu te whenua
Hold fast to the language, hold fast to the spirit, hold fast to the land.
This Maori proverb reveals a lot about the native people of New Zealand. Theirs is a rich and deep culture, their identity rooted in the land and their ancestry, and these vital links shape the people’s identity and their art. From the formal rituals of the Marae, or meeting place, to the very carvings that adorn it, the Maori people’s foundation in their language, spirit …

The Maori are an indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand and their culture is steeped in art, both traditional designs as well as more modern ones. Because the early Maori did not use the written language as a form of communication most of their history and the events of their lives were recorded by story telling and their artistry. Maori cultural expressions are both bold and compelling.
Early Maori artists used the material at hand to create their totems, carvings, and paintings. These materials were wood, green stone, jade (greenstone – …

Looking for an unique and interesting gift idea for people who love New Zealand?
Here’s a great Kiwi gift idea for tourists, homesick Kiwis, foreign domiciled New Zealanders, Kiwi kids going on exchange, or New Zealanders abroad such as expats who want something to remind them of home or their friends and relatives: Maori carved jewelry.
Think, bone and greenstone (pounamu) pendant necklaces, good luck charms, earrings, and other gems.
Authentic Maori carved jewelry makes a very special, fitting, gift idea (I personally like very much) because of its symbolic meaning. It …

Very exclusive and unique are these mammoth ivory pendants created by Maori master carver Kerry Thompson. Thompson is one of New Zealand’s most renowned carvers.
His exceptional skills and distinct style speak of the utmost respect he has for the bone carving craft, his culture and his tribe. His work resembles both ancient traditional aspects as well as contemporary influences. (Click the photo to view these and other carvings.)
These masterpieces resemble (from left to right) the Maori orca, the torea, new life, and the matau.
The orca, as many sea creatures has …

The Maori single twist (pikorua) is a very popular symbol. It is a symbol that signifies love and friendship.
Single twist pendants resemble the bond between two people, two lives intertwined, the paths of love and life. That’s why it is also called the ‘two person friendship pendant’.
The twisted shape perfectly represents the meaning of friendship. Or as Aristotle said: “What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies”.
Because it resembles a relationship for eternity it makes it a perfect gift for lovers, newlyweds, and fiancees. (Click …

Maori warriors were fierce, undaunted warriors. With their guerrilla tactics and their typical close-combat, carved weapons they were masters in surprise attacks and ambushing. Their territories have never been conquered by other nations. There were many battles and wars about prestige, honor, land, and possessions among Maori tribes. These tribal wars were fought in the summer period, between November and April.
It was an ultimate goal to defeat the strongest enemy of the opposing tribe because this would result in the most mana (spiritual power) for the warrior and his …