Māori Arts (Māori carving and weaving)

Māori arts, including carving and weaving, are vital expressions of Māori culture and identity. Carving—used in creating intricate designs on wood, bone, and stone—often depicts ancestors, spiritual concepts, and tribal stories, serving as a form of storytelling and cultural preservation. Weaving, traditionally done with native plants like flax, produces textiles such as clothing, blankets, and ceremonial objects, featuring detailed patterns that symbolize social status, whakapapa (lineage), and spiritual beliefs. Both art forms emphasize craftsmanship, connection to nature, and community, passing knowledge through generations and fostering cultural continuity.