The Art of Whakairo
Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Whakairo, the art of Māori carving, is a deeply important form of storytelling and identity. Traditionally carved from wood, bone, and stone, these works were not only decorative but carried ancestral knowledge, genealogy, and spiritual meaning.
Carving adorned wharenui (meeting houses), waka (canoes), weapons, and taonga (treasures) — each line and pattern symbolising connection to ancestors, nature, and the spiritual world. The knowledge of whakairo was passed down through generations of master carvers, each trained in both the technical skill and sacred meaning behind the craft.
Today, Māori artists continue this tradition — blending ancient techniques with modern tools and materials, ensuring the art of whakairo remains a living, evolving expression of culture, identity, and creativity.
Harekeke Weaving
Harakeke weaving (raranga) is one of the most cherished traditional Māori art forms — a practice that weaves together creativity, community, and the natural world. More than just a craft, it is a living expression of whakapapa (genealogy) and whanaungatanga (connection).
The harakeke (New Zealand flax) plant is seen as a symbol of whānau (family) — the rito (inner shoot) represents the child, surrounded by the protective awhi rito (parents) and outer leaves (grandparents). When harvested respectfully, the plant continues to grow strong, embodying the Māori values of care, balance, and renewal.
Each woven strand tells a story. Through patience, precision, and aroha (love), artists create kete (baskets), whāriki (mats), and taonga (treasures) that hold both beauty and meaning. Harakeke weaving continues to evolve today, blending traditional knowledge with contemporary expression, while keeping alive the deep sense of connection to people, place, and purpose.
Pungawerewere
The Pungawerewere pattern takes its inspiration from the spider and its intricate web, symbolising connection, patience, and the delicate balance of life. In Māori carving and design, it reflects the interwoven relationships between people, nature, and the spiritual world — each thread vital to the strength of the whole.
This pattern is also linked to the story of Tāwhaki, who climbed to the heavens on a spider’s web in his quest for knowledge. Like Tāwhaki, the design speaks to resilience, wisdom, and the courage to reach for understanding beyond the everyday.
Through its repeating lines and fine symmetry, the Pungawerewere motif celebrates the artistry of both the spider and the carver — a reminder that beauty, strength, and purpose often emerge from the most intricate connections.
Tarataraakae
The Taratara ā Kae pattern carries one of the great ancestral stories of Māori tradition — the tale of Tinirau and Kae. When Kae betrayed Tinirau by eating his beloved whale, Tutunui, the marks left on the whale’s bones became a lasting reminder of that act. The pattern’s barbed, tooth-like design represents those marks — a symbol of memory, consequence, and the lessons held within our stories.
Seen on pātaka (storehouses), carvings, and artworks across Aotearoa, Taratara ā Kae embodies strength, knowledge, and the power of storytelling. Its sharp, repeating forms echo both warning and wisdom, reminding us that every action leaves an impression — a pattern woven into the greater design of life.
Each line holds depth and meaning, connecting the ancient narratives of the past to the creative expressions of today.
Maui
In Māori art, Māui patterns celebrate the legendary figure Māui, known for his creativity, courage, and ability to transform the world. From slowing the sun to fishing up the North Island, Māui’s stories are woven through generations — reminders of innovation, resilience, and the power of knowledge.
Māui carving patterns often draw inspiration from his fish hook (matau), symbolising the ocean, abundance, and safe passage across water. The sweeping forms and rhythmic lines also speak to the interconnectedness of nature, reflecting the ebb and flow of life.
Each pattern holds its own meaning — some represent new beginnings, others the rippling wake of a waka (canoe) or the strength of the tides. Together, they embody the essence of Māui himself: a symbol of creativity, discovery, and the human spirit’s endless curiosity.