Koru

The koru (Māori for 'loop or coil')[1] is a spiral shape based on the appearance of a new unfurling silver fern frond.[2] It is an integral symbol in Māori art, carving and tattooing, where it symbolises new life, growth, strength and peace.[3] Its shape "conveys the idea of perpetual movement," while the inner coil "suggests returning to the point of origin".[3]

For other uses, see Koru (disambiguation).

An unfurling silver fern frond
Koru kowhaiwhai patterns on a rafter from the Ngāti Maru wharenui Hotunui
The koru flag

Use in traditional design

The koru is the integral motif of the symbolic and seemingly abstract kowhaiwhai designs traditionally used to decorate wharenui (meeting houses). There are numerous semi-formal designs, representing different features of the natural world.[4]

More recent adaptations

The logo of Air New Zealand, the national carrier, incorporates a koru design — based on the Ngaru (Ngāti Kahungunu)[5] kowhaiwhai pattern — as a symbol of New Zealand flora. The logo was introduced in 1973 to coincide with the arrival of the airline's first McDonnell Douglas DC-10 wide-body jet. Several other nationwide organisations also use a koru in their logos, among them the New Zealand Department of Conservation.

In 1983, Friedensreich Hundertwasser based his proposed design for a secondary New Zealand flag on the symbol. It also formed the basis for a notable series of artworks by Gordon Walters. Koru swirls are also reminiscent of the Tomoe symbol in Japan.[6]

The New Zealand national korfball team is nicknamed The Korus, although the plural for koru is koru.[7][8]

References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Koru.
  1. Moorfield, John C. (2010). "Māori dictionary". Te Aka Māori-English, English-Māori Dictionary and Index. Te Whanake. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 14 March 2010.
  2. Houlahan, Mike (27 December 2018). "The koru - arguably the best-known Maori symbol". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  3. Royal, Te Ahukaramū Charles (March 4, 2009). "Māori creation traditions". Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage / Te Manatū Taonga. Retrieved 14 March 2010.
  4. Wison, Kemera "Whakairo" Maori Carving – Reading Kowhaiwhai", maori.org.nz. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  5. "Maori Carving: Reading Kowhaiwhai". www.maori.org.nz. Retrieved 2018-02-07.
  6. "Koru Cross".
  7. "Māori Culture – New Zealand Trade Manual". www.newzealandtrademanual.com. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
  8. Most Māori words form their plural through a changed definite article rather than any change in the word itself. Thus, the plural of Te koru (the koru) is Ngā koru.
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