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904
New Zealand is made up of 2 major islands
and is located south east of Australia. It is a very mountainous country
with some large coastal plains. Tourism is the largest growth industry.
Settled by the Maori, this is actually a combination of Iwi, Hapu and
Whanua units. The name is derived from Ma-Uri which means children of
heaven. Originally they were hunters but became farmers. Today the approximately
500,000 Maori live manly in cities but are closely connected to their
tribes.
904-1 Maori Kite:
Maori is the cultural group first inhabiting New Zealand. In Maori carving,
this style head is known as the Tai Tokerau and is from the northern
part of the north island. The distinguishing feature is the bell shaped
head. Kites were flown both for fun and sometimes serious reasons by
both adults and children. At social gatherings each person would have
their own kite, though not all flew perfectly. Some were made of bark.
904-2 Jade Koru Pendant:
Elaborately carved personal ornaments are often worn in Maori culture.
The spiral koru symbolizes an opening fern frond, bringing new life
and purity. It also represents tranquility and new beginnings. Jade
is also found in New Zealand. The traditional carvings on jade, wood,
bone and balsam record history, events, and the identity of the carver.
904-3 Maori Pendant
– our second jewelry piece introduces other Maori symbols. These
symbols have a distinctive pattern and are often found as tattoos. This
art form is an important indicator of rank.
904-4 Sand Cards-
many islands have sand – but in New Zealand it is a part of one
of their art forms. We duplicate this look with colored sand and cardstock
and traditional symbols plus a creative shaker
card.
