Maori+Carvings

=** Here are some Maori carving that we have found to help us identify carvings **= Here is a link to the source

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Unaunahi or Unahi From the Tai Tokerau This pattern represents fish scales. It is mainly done in the Tai Tokerau area and is carved to represent abundance of food, wealth of the sea and people.

Rauru From the Tai Rawhiti, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Waikato and Tai Hauraki. This is the most common form of this pattern and is also common in Uhi Moko, used on the buttocks.

Raperape From Aotearoa. This design is carved to represent movement. It is used by all areas of Aotearoa and stands for continuity towards our evolving future.

Maui From Tai Rawhiti, Te Arawa and Te Waipounamu. Because of the shape of this design it represents the fish hook of Maui.

Rauponga From Ngati Porou, Ngati Kahungunu, Te Arawa and Waikato. This design is used on the body of figures to represent the ribs of the ancestor. The design in from the leaf of the fern.

Whakarare or Korurangi From Aotearoa The design is used in most carvings to show movement and experience.

Surface patterns as well as being decorative are also used for enhancing the story. Surface patterns are not confined to just wood carving, but can be found on bone carving and Ta Moko, or tatooing. Below are some of the common patterns found throughout the Maori world as well as their generic meanings and where they are from. Unaunahi or Unahi From the Tai Tokerau This pattern represents fish scales. It is mainly done in the Tai Tokerau area and is carved to represent abundance of food, wealth of the sea and people.

Rauru From the Tai Rawhiti, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Waikato and Tai Hauraki. This is the most common form of this pattern and is also common in Uhi Moko, used on the buttocks.

Raperape From Aotearoa. This design is carved to represent movement. It is used by all areas of Aotearoa and stands for continuity towards our evolving future.

Maui From Tai Rawhiti, Te Arawa and Te Waipounamu. Because of the shape of this design it represents the fish hook of Maui.

Rauponga From Ngati Porou, Ngati Kahungunu, Te Arawa and Waikato. This design is used on the body of figures to represent the ribs of the ancestor. The design in from the leaf of the fern.

Whakarare or Korurangi From Aotearoa The design is used in most carvings to show movement and experience.