Siapo patterns

This design symbolizes the
nets used in catching pigeons
and turtles.
The shell is triangular in shape
and can be used in many
different formations such as a
diamond for example.
Paogo is Samoan for a
particular type of pandanus
tree, however, is also used to
describe the pandanus tree in
general.
The bird forms take on many
designs. These symbols offer
the most opportunity for
creativity.
This symbol has sometimes
been mistaken as the sun.
The small lines represent the
midrib of the coconut leaf. The
wavey lines symbolize the
hand woven sennit (braided
coconut fiber).
The whole leaf pattern may be
used or just the edge.
This symbol is sometimes
mistaken for the moon.
This symbol is found in earlier
works of Siapo, however, it is
seldom used and has almost
become extinct
When the pandanus blooms,
the flower hangs down and the
narrow petals end in a cluster
of sharp points.
This symbol is used in two
ways, the closed or unbloomed
banana pod or the blooming
pod with its petals open.
This symbol had also had
been phased out over time and
is now being reintroduced.
Maori Designs
Unaunahi or Unahi
From the Tai Tokerau
This pattern represents fish scales. It is
mainly done in the Tai Tokerau area and is
carved to represent abundance of food,
wealth of the sea and people.
Rauru
From the Tai Rawhiti, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Waikato and Tai Hauraki
This is the most common form of this
pattern and is also common in Uhi Moko,
used on the buttocks.
Raperape
From Aotearoa.
This design is carved to represent
movement. It is used by all areas of
Aotearoa and stands for continuity
towards our evolving future.
Maui
From Tai Rawhiti, Te Arawa and Te Waipounamu.
Because of the shape of this design it
represents the fish hook of Maui.
Rauponga
From Ngati Porou, Ngati Kahungunu, Te Arawa and Waikato.
This design is used on the body of figures
to represent the ribs of the ancestor.
The design in from the leaf of the fern.
Whakarare or Korurangi
From Aotearoa
The design is used in most carvings to
show movement and experience.
Kowhaiwhai
Painted rafter patterns associated with Māori meeting houses.
Kaperua
From the Tai Rawhiti
This pattern represents things
doubled.
Koiri
From the Tai Rawhiti
This pattern means to flourish.
Mangopare
From Aotearoa.
This design comes from the
hammerhead shark and represents
strength and power.
Mangotipi
From Mataatua, Tuhoe.
This design comes from the white
pointer shark.
Ngaru
From Ngati Kahungunu
This design represents the cutting of
the waves when the waka travelled.
Patiki
From Pare Hauraki
The design represents the Patiki or
flounder. It is a symbol of hospitality.
Puhoro
From Te Arawa
This design represents speed,
swiftness and agility.
Tukutuku
Tukutuku are the woven panels that adorn meeting houses and are
placed between poupou, the carvings on the walls.
Kupenga Kaokao
Kupenga Kaokao
can represent the
many bends of the
Waikato river
Mumu Wamu
Mumu Wamu can
represent board
games. This pattern
is also found on
piupiu.
Ngaru Nui
The Ngaru Nui
represent the waves of
the
Ngatokimatawhaorua.
The zig zag part are
the waves. The
rectangle part is the
waka.
Taniko
The Taniko pattern
represent one of the
main weaving
styles.
Niho Taniwha
The niho taniwha is
another tukutuku
that represents
teeth.
Purapura Whetu
The Purapura
Whetu represents
many stars in the
sky, many people in
the iwi
Ranginui and Papatuanuku
This pattern
represents the
separation of
Ranginui and
Papatuanuku.
Nihoniho
The nihoniho
represents teeth.
Many ornaments
were made out of
the teeth of different
animals.
Pou Tangata
Pou Tangata
represent the many
people who have
lived in Tamaki
Makau Rau.
Taki Toru
The Taki Toru
pattern represents
two way
communication.