Maori art

Maori art is highly prosperous tradition that comes from the New Zealand’s indigenous people – the Maoris. Despite the fact that this art form has been developed in Asia its designs are more elaborate and the patterns crisper than the Japanese motifs, and colors possess great symbolic meaning. The circle is dominant in Maori art being accompanied by zigzag-patterns and geometrical shapes intertwined into carvings, tattoos, and tanned fabrics. 
 
 Wood carvings or ‘Whakairo’ are of considerable importance as they consist of sophisticated designs from the stony and wood artworks that describes the genealogical themes, legends and symbolic expressions. It is important to understand that these carvings are part of the structure of meeting houses of Maoris – wharenui, and canoes – waka are incredible historical and cultural reflectors of the community’s values. 
 
 Another important part of the Maori art is Maori tattoo or “moko”. Women are not just wearing those things for beauty, but for meaning and purpose behind them such as social class, ancestry, and accomplishments. 
 
 All in all, it can be stated that Maori art is the joyful expression of Maori culture and thus, it has both – the aesthetic and sacred value related to identity and traditions.