Carving and Weaving Styles
Every design had a meaning.
Every meaning a strand to a story.
Every story recorded history.
Understand the art, the culture unfolds.
Carving
Pungawerewere, Spider’s Web
On the East Coast the Pungawerewere was often carved into meeting houses. A reminder for man to occupy his home, not to neglect it and return to his people.
Unaunahi, Fish Scales
Used in the North where fishing is abundant. Una Unahi is depicted by small nicks in the wood and always placed with another design like a net to give depth and contrast.
Rauru, The Spiral
Wherever there is movement, legs, arms, muscles, the Rauru is found. Cleverly used to give life to a carving of an ancestor. Look at a spiral for long enough and it begins to move.
Tupuna, Tribal Ancestor
Designs are unique to a tribe. The west coast Taranaki peoples, for example, carve the head of their ancestor with a definite point, the shape of their sacred mountain, Taranaki.
Weaving
Piupiu, Dancing Skirt
Translated Piupiu means to swing and sway. Woven from flax it was introduced in the 1900s as part of the entertainment costume and can take 6-8 weeks to make.
Korowai, Cloak
Originally made of flax fibres, the Korowai was used for warmth and covering. The higher a person's standing, the more ornate the design. Now worn for significant occasions.
Kete, Woven Basket
A practical basket for carrying items yet usage very specific i.e different Kete for different purposes. More recently has gained popularity as a modern handbag.
Poutama, Stairway to Heaven
Translated, Poutama is an upright offspring, a leader. This design is used to symbolise striving for betterment and advancement to the top.
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