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Inspirational Art : Kowhaiwhai

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At BestStart Montessori Kilbirnie we are looking at kowhaiwhai patterns at the moment. Kowhaiwhai are Māori motifs. They are a way to tell a story and each has a meaning. Kowhaiwhai patterns are traditionally painted in whare tipuna (meeting houses), pataka (storehouses), on the prow of a waka (canoe) or on many forms of carving such as boat paddles or water containers.

As well as being decorative, kowhaiwhai patterns also help to tell a story. Kowhaiwhai in whare tipuna (meeting houses) are specially designed for the iwi (tribe) the house belongs to. It tells stories about their history. Kowhaiwhai are painted on the rafters or the tahuhu (ridgepole) of the house stretching the length of the building. The kowhaiwhai painted on the ridgepole represents the whakapapa (genealogy) of the iwi (tribe). Nature is often the inspiration for these beautiful and stunning patterns which are often found on the rafters of the meeting houses. Here are some of the common patterns found throughout the Maori world as well as their generic meanings.

  • Kaperua  This pattern represents things doubled.
  • Koiri This pattern is the koru repeating and turning back into itself- this may continue to infinity. The koiri is a symbol of self-reflection and nurturing, it also means to flourish.
  • Mangopare This design comes from the hammerhead shark and represents strength, courage and power.
  • Mangotipi  This design comes from the white pointer shark.
  • Ngaru This design represents the cutting of the waves when the waka travelled. 
  • Patiki The design represents the Patiki or flounder. It is a symbol of hospitality. 

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