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New Zealand Maori Ornaments and Decorations
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New Zealand Maori Ornaments and Decorations
New Zealand Maori Ornaments and Decorations. They are an ear ornament, real or imitation teeth, grotesque figures (tiki), earrings, a tail feather, a shell, wooden combs, a fly catcher, geometrical border designs, and tattooing instruments. Plate from The New Zealanders illustrated by George French Angas (1822-1886). Date: 1847
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Media ID 14145310
© David Cousins / Mary Evans Picture Library
1847 Angas Anthropological Anthropology Catcher Comb Combs Decorations Earrings Ethnographic Ethnography Feather Figures Geometric Geometrical Grotesque Human Instrument Instruments Item Items Maori Maoris Ornament Ornaments Patterns Shell Tail Tattoo Tattooing Teeth Tiki Tooth Tradition Traditions Tribal Zealand Zealander Racial
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New Zealand Maori Ornaments and Decorations: A Glimpse into the Rich Cultural Heritage of the Maori People This plate, titled "New Zealand Maori Ornaments and Decorations," is an ethnographic record of various traditional Maori ornaments and decorations, as illustrated by the renowned English artist and explorer, George French Angas, in 1847. The Maori people, the indigenous Polynesian inhabitants of New Zealand, have a rich and diverse cultural history, characterized by their unique artistic expressions and intricate designs. The image showcases an array of Maori ornaments and decorations, including an ear ornament, real or imitation teeth, grotesque figures (tiki), earrings, a tail feather, a shell, wooden combs, a fly catcher, geometrical border designs, and tattooing instruments. These items were not only used for personal adornment but also held significant spiritual and cultural meanings. The grotesque figures, or tiki, were believed to represent ancestral spirits and were often used as protective talismans. Real or imitation teeth, worn as ear ornaments, symbolized strength and power. Wooden combs, intricately carved with geometric patterns, were used for grooming and were also believed to have magical properties. Shells, tail feathers, and other natural materials were used to create earrings, necklaces, and other decorative items. The Maori people were also known for their intricate tattooing designs, which were applied using sharp bone or shell instruments. These tattoos, or "ta moko," were a mark of status, identity, and tribal affiliation. This plate offers a fascinating glimpse into the Maori people's rich cultural heritage and the significance of ornaments and decorations in their daily lives. The intricate designs and symbolism of these items continue to inspire artists and designers around the world, making them an enduring testament to the Maori people's unique cultural identity.
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