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The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand. They traveled to New Zealand from eastern Polynesia around the year 1280 AD. According to Maori legend several large ocean going canoes (waka) arrived from the mythical home Hawaiki. The actual early settlement most likely occurred in waves over time. Due to centuries of isolation from the rest of the world the Maori established a distinct society with distinctive art, a separate language, and unique mythology. The Maori are also known for their unique tattoos.

For centuries the Maori of New Zealand have been carving and wearing beautiful necklaces. Maori necklaces are beautiful, unique, and their various shapes contain meanings that can be important to the wearer. These shapes are rarely seen anywhere else in the world and have spiritual significance.

The exquisite hand-made Maori pendants and necklaces symbolize the strength and culture of New Zealand's Maori people. Each piece is carved with a specific meaning and story behind it.

The bone carving necklaces based on Maori designs in particular have special significance because pre-European Maori had no written language so tribal history and the stories of the gods were kept using many forms of fine arts and crafts ranging from basket and cloth weaving to complex wood, bone, shell and jade carving.

These artifacts were then handed down through generations of tribal elders and became sacred objects or treasures "Taonga", telling the history of a tribe and taking on the spirits of past great leaders and warriors who had worn such necklaces.

It is believed that a Necklace which is worn with respect or given and received with love, takes on part of the spirit of those who wear or handle it. In this way it becomes a spiritual link between people spanning time and distance. A necklace that has been worn by family or tribal members over many generations contains the spirit of all of those people and is truly a great and powerful treasure.

Over a period of time the Carving absorbs oils from your skin and changes color to a very light honey gold. Maori believe this to be the Carving taking on some of your spirituality or essence and thus truly becoming a part of the wearer.

Tiki necklaces are very ancient symbols and by far the least understood so there are a number of legends about itheir meaning. Some say the Tiki came from the stars and that he was the first man of the world. Tiki are also often depicted with webbed feet which suggests a strong link to the creatures of the sea. Tiki was respected as the teacher of all things and the wearer of this symbol is therefore seen to possess clarity of thought, loyalty, great inner knowledge and strength of character.

There are traditional accounts for the creation of the stone which relate it to the children of Tangaroa. It is a very hard stone and is laborious to work, especially so with the basic grinding tools available to the Neolithic Maori.

The Maori name for the South Island, Te Wai Pounamu, refers to the stone.

The ornament is unique to New Zealand, as are several other ornaments made from this stone.

New Zealand Jade is also known as "Green Stone" or "Pounamu" in Maori. The beauty of Jade is unsurpassed with its semi translucent look and swirls of green. NZ Jade Carvings have an irresistible aura of strength and beauty.

Pikorua (Single Twist)the eight-shaped single twist symbolizes the strength of the bond between two people. It signifies the spiritual merger of two people for eternity. Although people will take different paths in their lives they will always be connected and will return to each other. The twist is a powerful statement of loyalty, friendship, and love

Double and Triple Twist

Double and Triple TwistAlso an eternity symbol. Refers to the bond between peoples or cultures rather than individuals. Traditionally given as an offering of friendship between different tribes.Maori twist symbols also refer to the so called ‘three baskets of knowledge’. This is a concept that, very roughly translated, has to do with how, the for humankind necessary knowledge to survive, came to the world. According to the legend the god Tane (creator of the first man Tiki) brought down those three baskets from the heavens.

The World’s most colorful shell, the Paua, is crafted to manufacture an exquisite range of jewelers, gifts and souvenirs that reflect the iconic status of the Paua shell to New Zealand

The colour in the paua shell changes when viewed at different angles. This iridescence is what makes paua shells so amazing for use in jewellery. Each Paua shell is unique and is truly one of nature's marvels

Sound: Huri Huri - Kiri te Kanava

Text: InternetPictures: Sanda Foişoreanu

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Arangement: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda