Maori whakairo

Maori whakairo refers to traditional intricately carved wood and bone art, serving both decorative and cultural purposes. These carvings depict ancestral stories, spiritual beliefs, and tribal identity, often found in meeting houses, canoes, and weapons. Whakairo emphasizes craftsmanship, symbolism, and storytelling, with designs often incorporating spirals, faces, and natural motifs. It is a revered art form that preserves Maori history and values, requiring skill, patience, and cultural knowledge from the carvers. Overall, whakairo embodies the Maori connection to their ancestors, environment, and spirituality through beautifully crafted, meaningful designs.