Koru - Maori culture

The koru is one of the most important symbols of the Maori tradition, it holds so much meaning and history as it represents new life, spiritual growth, and progress. The shape of the koru is either a spiral, loop, or coil. Because of its circular shape, it conveys the idea of perpetual movement, meaning the design showcases how life both changes and stays the same.

Once when the Māori people believed that in plethora, gods and goddesses gave lots of meaning to the environment’s elements. The korus purpose is explained a lot throughout āthe background information of the Maori, it can be shown through traditions, art, and culture. While creating Maori art they tend to use many colors, designs, and even patterns. The history behind the koru is extremely important to Maori tradition and culture as it has been around for thousands of years.

There are multiple different symbols representing the koru, for example, life, growth, movement, and harmony. Lots of these meanings are also used in tā moko, a well-known Maori tattoo. But even some korus can be painted individually or drawn with other designs, the main colors the koru includes are red, white, and black. But the modern use of the koru is mostly shown in jewelry and art.

My artwork shows two main korus in the middle of my art, this represents new life. Some of my designs and lines mostly mean new beginnings, the colors I have chosen were used to make my korus stand out when someone first looks at my art. Each little line and design you see on my artwork all mean and show something.