Famous Maori Arts and Crafts, Maori Culture, Maori Tourism and Much More

Weaving and carving were the fundamental aspects of Māori way of life. Most of the Māori legends, literature and Maori stories were weaved or carved or passed down from one generation to the next orally as well. Maori carvers were believed to be the agents through whom the Gods communicated and thus held a very high esteem in the community.  500 year old Maori carvings are among some of the Maori relics existing today that represent ocean Gods and deep sea monsters. According to a much told Maori tale the northern island of New Zealand was fished out of the ocean by the demi-God Maui. A side faced bird like figure known as “Manaia” is an image that resonates through Māori carvings. A famous Manaia stands today in Easter Island, made up of a side-faced man with a bird-head.

Maori Tourism

Maori tourism offers you great time to enjoy near mesmerising lakes and mountains. You can enjoy scenic boat cruises, trout fishing, mountain biking or can relax by swimming in natural thermal pools that will leave you feeling wonderfully relaxed. If you like more adventure, you can also go for hiking and tramping which are abound in this area. The Tongariro National Park has many tracks for all levels of fitness for tourists. A most prominent tourist attraction in this area is the “Māori haka” . It is traditional Māori dance form which is performed with accompaniment of shouts and actions in a group. Maori culture has hakas for every joy and celebration. These traditional dance forms or hakas are very energetic and full of life.

Famous Maori Tattoo

Tattooing is considered as a sacred art by the Maori people of New Zealand. These Maori tattoo designs are quite distinctive. The Māori tattoo is called “moko” and the process of applying moko is termed as “ta moko”, which literally means 'to strike'. This distinctive type of Maori tattooing involves a lot of curved shapes and spirals that conform to an intricate and recognizable pattern. The Maori tattoos are symbolic and every tattoo tells a distinct story.  Maori’s are best known for their art of tattooing and stunning tattoo designs throughout the world.