Beethoven - Moonlight Sonata
When I'm working on earrings or other taniko pieces I like to think about the patterns I use and their meanings so these are my interpretations of different taniko patterns. They really just apply to my own work - its not for me to interpret anyone else's mahi.
Aonui
Signifies respect towards the natural world in its entirety. Also known as Aronui.
Awhio
A spiral. Symbolises wind and energy, circular movement, swirling seas and flocks of migrating birds.
Nga Tai
Symbolising the ebb and flow of the tides and influencee of the moon creating the seasons and times for all things
Mumu
The checked pattern symbolising human kinship, each group distinct and interwoven as part of humanity
Poutama
Nga Pou
Symbolic steps representing growth, rest and regrowth. Acknowledging striving towards goals, improvements and intellectual pursuit.
Like the posts of a whare support the sheltering roof so do people support others in families, work places and tribally-based initiatives. Different levels symbolise generational layers.
Kawakawa
Representing the knobbly jointed branches of the kawakawa plant and the relationship between plants and people and the many forms of knowledge held within the domain of the bush.
Nga Whetu
Recognising the importance and permanence of star constellations in navigation, planting and seasonal practices.
Tauhere
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Patiki
Signifying the bindings that lash a canoe together and keep it afloat with reference to the ties of love that keep families and people together, 'Tauherea nga iwi ki te here o te aroha'.
Symbolising the link between the stars and natural earth resources. Abundance through kaitiakitanga of the earth and sea.
Whetu
He Ara
Acknowledging the power and influence of the stars in the beginning and end of life, navigation and exploration, seasons and universal knowledge.
Symbolising the various pathways we follow in life, parallels of other accompanying pathways of time, space and human connection. Also acknowledging how in raranga, harakeke strands follow each of their given pathways to the completion of an object.
Punga
Acknowledging the primal tree growth of Te Wao Nui a Tane. That which is unique to Aotearoa and an iconic image of our country.
Tino Rangatira-tanga
Inspired by the flag signifying independence and preservation of Maori sovereignty.
Takirua
Symbolising the duality of our culture and language - our 2 primal parents and the acknowledgement of people who are not just one or many but also abide in pairs (māua, tāua, kōrua, rāua). Ao-pō, tapu-noa, teina-tuakana etc.
Nihoniho / Niho Taniwha
Acknowledging the presence of spiritual guardians and awareness of the importance of tipua and taniwha.