Koru: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Spiral shape of an unfurling fern frond}} |
{{short description|Spiral shape of an unfurling fern frond}} |
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{{Italic title}} |
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{{other uses}} |
{{other uses}} |
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{{Use New Zealand English|date=May 2019}} |
{{Use New Zealand English|date=May 2019}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}} |
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[[Image:Koru Unfurling.JPG|thumb|right|An unfurling [[Cyathea dealbata|silver fern]] frond]] |
[[Image:Koru Unfurling.JPG|thumb|right|An unfurling [[Cyathea dealbata|silver fern]] frond]] |
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[[File:Kowhaiwhai.jpg|thumb|right|''Koru |
[[File:Kowhaiwhai.jpg|thumb|right|''Koru kōwhaiwhai'' patterns on a rafter from the [[Ngāti Maru (Hauraki)|Ngāti Maru]] ''[[wharenui]]'' Hotunui]] |
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[[File:Koru flag.svg|thumb|right|The [[ |
[[File:Koru flag.svg|thumb|right|The [[koru flag]]]] |
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The {{Lang-for|mi|'''koru'''|loop or coil}}<ref>{{cite |
The {{Lang-for|mi|'''koru'''|loop or coil}}<ref>{{cite dictionary |url=http://www.maoridictionary.co.nz/index.cfm?dictionaryKeywords=koru&n=1 |entry=koru |last1=Moorfield |first1=John C. |author-link=John Moorfield|year=2010 |dictionary=Te Aka Māori–English, English–Māori Dictionary and Index |publisher=Te Whanake |access-date=14 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722081807/http://www.maoridictionary.co.nz/index.cfm?dictionaryKeywords=koru&n=1 |archive-date=22 July 2011 }}</ref> is a spiral shape evoking a newly [[Circinate vernation|unfurling]] frond from a [[Cyathea dealbata|silver fern]] frond.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Houlahan |first=Mike |date=27 December 2018 |title=The koru – arguably the best-known Maori symbol |work=[[Otago Daily Times]] |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/summer-times/koru-arguably-best-known-maori-symbol |access-date=14 October 2022}}</ref> It is an integral symbol in [[Māori people|Māori]] art, [[bone carving|carving]] and [[Tā moko|tattooing]], where it symbolises new life, growth, strength and peace.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url= http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/maori-creation-traditions/1/1|title= Māori creation traditions|author=Royal|first=Te Ahukaramū Charles|date=March 4, 2009|work=Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand|publisher=New Zealand [[Ministry for Culture and Heritage]] / Te Manatū Taonga|access-date=14 March 2010}}</ref> |
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Its shape "conveys the idea of perpetual movement," while the inner coil "suggests returning to the point of origin".<ref name=":0" /> |
Its shape "conveys the idea of perpetual movement," while the inner coil "suggests returning to the point of origin".<ref name=":0" /> |
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==Use in traditional design== |
==Use in traditional design== |
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The ''koru'' is the integral motif of the symbolic and seemingly abstract '' |
The ''koru'' is the integral motif of the symbolic and seemingly abstract ''kōwhaiwhai'' designs traditionally used to decorate ''[[wharenui]]'' (meeting houses). There are numerous semi-formal designs, representing different features of the natural world.<ref>Wison, Kemera "[http://www.maori.org.nz/whakairo/default.php?pid=sp55&parent=52 Whakairo" Maori Carving – Reading Kowhaiwhai]", maori.org.nz. Retrieved 12 February 2014.</ref> |
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==More recent adaptations== |
==More recent adaptations== |
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The logo of [[Air New Zealand]], the [[Flag carrier|national carrier]], incorporates a ''koru'' design — based on the Ngaru ([[Ngāti Kahungunu]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.maori.org.nz/whakairo/default.php?pid=sp55&parent=52|title=Maori Carving: Reading Kowhaiwhai|website=www.maori.org.nz|access-date=2018-02-07}}</ref> '' |
The logo of [[Air New Zealand]], the [[Flag carrier|national carrier]], incorporates a ''koru'' design — based on the Ngaru ([[Ngāti Kahungunu]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.maori.org.nz/whakairo/default.php?pid=sp55&parent=52|title=Maori Carving: Reading Kowhaiwhai|website=www.maori.org.nz|access-date=2018-02-07}}</ref> ''kōwhaiwhai'' pattern — as a symbol of [[Flora of New Zealand|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]]. |
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In 1983, [[Friedensreich Hundertwasser]] based [[Hundertwasser koru flag|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]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.seiyaku.com/customs/crosses/koru.html |title=Koru Cross }}</ref> |
In 1983, [[Friedensreich Hundertwasser]] based [[Hundertwasser koru flag|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]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.seiyaku.com/customs/crosses/koru.html |title=Koru Cross }}</ref> |
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The [[New Zealand national korfball team]] is nicknamed ''The Korus |
The [[New Zealand national korfball team]] is nicknamed ''The Korus''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Māori Culture – New Zealand Trade Manual |url=https://www.newzealandtrademanual.com/new-zealand-info/new-zealand-culture/maori-culture/ |website=www.newzealandtrademanual.com |access-date=7 March 2019}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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[[Category:Visual motifs]] |
[[Category:Visual motifs]] |
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[[Category:National symbols of New Zealand]] |
[[Category:National symbols of New Zealand]] |
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[[Category:Spirals]] |
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Latest revision as of 21:41, 31 October 2024
The koru (Māori for 'loop or coil')[1] is a spiral shape evoking a newly unfurling frond from a 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]
Use in traditional design
[edit]The koru is the integral motif of the symbolic and seemingly abstract kōwhaiwhai 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
[edit]The logo of Air New Zealand, the national carrier, incorporates a koru design — based on the Ngaru (Ngāti Kahungunu)[5] kōwhaiwhai 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.[7]
References
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Koru.
- ^ Moorfield, John C. (2010). "koru". Te Aka Māori–English, English–Māori Dictionary and Index. Te Whanake. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 14 March 2010.
- ^ Houlahan, Mike (27 December 2018). "The koru – arguably the best-known Maori symbol". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
- ^ a b Royal, Te Ahukaramū Charles (4 March 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.
- ^ Wison, Kemera "Whakairo" Maori Carving – Reading Kowhaiwhai", maori.org.nz. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
- ^ "Maori Carving: Reading Kowhaiwhai". www.maori.org.nz. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
- ^ "Koru Cross".
- ^ "Māori Culture – New Zealand Trade Manual". www.newzealandtrademanual.com. Retrieved 7 March 2019.