General Info

Hei-Matau (Fish Hook)
Prosperity, Abundance, Fertility. Safe Sea Passage These very stylised fish hooks represent strength, prosperity, abundance, fertility and a great respect for the sea. It's also said to provide good luck and safety when traveling over water so is often worn by travelers. Hei-Matau are also symbols of power and authority which are held in great reverence by the Maori people. They were used as a practical tool for fishing and were often decorated as a sign of respect for the creatures of the sea. There are many styles of Hei-Matau from the true hook designs to the more ornamental styles which became treasured heirlooms for generations following. Within the magical sea lies the essence of our ancestry.	Classic Hook
Koru (Spiral)
New Life, Peace, Purity The spiral is a Koru, represents the fern frond as it opens bringing new life and purity to the world. It also represents peace, tranquility and spirituality along with a strong sense of regrowth or new beginnings. The Koru is also often associated with nurturing so when interlocked with others is frequently used to represent the strength and purity of a loving relationship within a family. Underneath a new born baby's cry is the peace of the future.	Traditional Koru
Twist
Love - Soulmates The twist with its crisscross form represents the many paths of life and love and as such is regarded as the original eternity symbol. The single twist in particular shows the joining together of two people for eternity. Even though they sometimes move away from each other on their own journeys, they will always come together again sharing their lives and blending to become one. It tells how the strength of bond of friendship, loyalty and love will last forever. The double and triple twists have a similar meaning but refer more to the joining of two peoples or cultures rather than individuals. As a couple becomes one while remaining two, so can all cultures on Earth.	Double Twist
Circle
Eternity of Being The closed circle is said to represent the circle of life which is has no beginning or end, is seamless and of which we are all a part. It also tells of the stars and planets which are part of the circle of life and contain the knowledge of our origins. It is often used to enclose other elements such as the Koru, linking love and new life or new beginnings with the circle of life. For an artist the circle represents the relationship or oneness between the artist and his craft, bringing together head, hand and heart. The double and triple twists have a similar meaning but refer more to the joining of two peoples or cultures rather than individuals. In the end we will find our origins.	Typical Circle
Manaia
Spiritual Communication The Manaia is an ancient mythical being with a bird's head and a human form. It is said to be the messenger between the earthly world of mortals and the domain of the spirits illustrating the strong links the Maori people have with spirituality and the spirit world. It is a holder of great spiritual energy and is a guardian against evil. The Manaia can be seen blended into many Maori designs with subtle differences between tribes. The Manaia is often depicted with the three fingers of birth, life and death. It can also be shown with a fourth finger representing the afterlife and describing the circle of life. How solid is reality when confronted by mythical shapes?	Manaia