Image for Māori art

Māori art

Māori art is a vital expression of Indigenous New Zealand culture, blending spirituality, storytelling, and identity. It includes intricate carvings (whakairo) on wood, bone, and stone, and bold tattooing (ta moko) that reflects social status and ancestors. Traditional weaving (raranga) creates fabrics and documents stories through patterns. Māori art often features spirals, natural motifs, and symbolic designs, emphasizing connection to nature and spirituality. It serves both functional and ceremonial purposes, preserving history and identity, while evolving creatively in contemporary contexts. Overall, Māori art deeply embodies cultural values and ancestral reverence.