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New
Zealand Jewellery Designs
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From
somewhere in the island groups of Polynesia the early explorers and the
ancestors of whom is known today as Maori came upon the islands of New
Zealand around 1000 years ago. As in all cultures they expressed
themselves with carving. Along with bone the material used most
proficiently was pounamu (greenstone or New Zealand jade). Wood carving
was to become some of the finest in Polynesia.
Hei Matau One of the most basic shapes in the carvings and the most popular was the fish hook design or hei matau. The hei matau or fish hook, was very important to the island people of New Zealand who depended upon the bounty of the sea for their main source of protein. Sea food represented the wealth of the tribe and was a major item of trade. The wearing of hei matau as pendants was considered a symbol of leadership and authority. It means determination, strength, peace, prosperity and safe journey especially over water. Koru The koru is a curved shape that is a very essential part of all Maori designs even in their tattoo work. It represents the local fern plant that has a narrow shoot with a curved tip that unfurls into a fern leaf in its final stage and is the New Zealand symbol. It represents growth and life. The spiral a new life beginning, harmony and peace. Kowhaiwhai The continuous koru pattern painted on the rafter (ribs) of a Maori meeting house. Tiki The tiki is a variant of the human figure found all over Polynesia. A human form possibly representing ancestors. Powerful good luck symbol. Tilted head is thinking, hand is strength, mouth is communication, heart is love and loins fertility. Tau tau A long narrow pendant. I have combined the kowhaiwhai pattern with the tau tau shape. from Paula - I have included all the above designs in my creation of New Zealand jewellery in sterling silver. Each piece is an individual hand made piece of jewellery of the highest quality of sterling silver. The silver is at least 93% to 95% silver combined with pure copper. Jewellery is considered sterling when it contains 92.5% silver in its production. All silver must be mixed with another metal to be used as jewellery. Many of these designs are universal in their shape and meaning. We find them in many cultures. Most designate the symbol of the beginning of life. It is the intention of my sterling silver creations to symbolize not only the Maori design but to include the thought and concepts of all cultures. To the wearer is given this positive energy from ages gone by and re-created for the present in the purity of silver. To all who wear one of my creations I offer this positive energy in all they do and hope they will accept it and pass it on whenever possible to those around them from the designer of New Zealand Jewellery Paula Martin |
Contact Paula : paula@nzjewellery.co.nz |