Māori imagery

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Māori imagery

Māori imagery has certain distinct features.

Identification of Māori Imagery

The most distinctive features of Māori imagery are:

  • curvilinear designs (contained by or consisting of a curved line or lines) as depicted in moko (tattooing), kowhaiwhai (rafter patterns), and whakairo (carving).
  • rectilinear designs (contained by, consisting of, or moving in a straight line or lines) as depicted in tukutuku (ornamental paneling) or taniko (embroidery).
  • designs incorporating Māori objects.

Further examples of Māori imagery and design may be found in our guide to protecting intellectual property with a Māori cultural element [PDF, 1.1 MB].

Examples of curvilinear designs

Design No. 27637

Design No. 27637

Design No. 8525

Design No. 8525

Trade Mark No. 100737

Trade Mark No. 100737

Examples of rectilinear designs

Design No. 8524 

Design No. 8524

Trade Mark No. 299446 

Trade Mark No. 299446

Trade Mark No. 170545 

Trade Mark No. 170545

Example of a design incorporating Māori objects

This charm uses a Māori whare design:

Left front perspective Design No. 13376 

 

 

Left front perspective

Design No. 13376

 

Right front perspective Design No. 13376

 

 

 

Right front perspective   

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