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Travel in Australia and New Zealand

Experience the Culture of New Zealand

New Zealand's culture is an interesting blend of indigenous and outer influences. Not only will you find evidence of the traditional Moriori and Maori cultures, but you'll also see signs of Western influences as well. The culture of New Zealand is quite interesting and vibrant, providing you with much to see and experience. If you plan to live or visit New Zealand, take the time to experience and enjoy some of the local culture.

Legends and Myths

The Maori culture includes many legends and myths, which are traditionally recited in an oral fashion. The story that explains the creation of the world is told as part of this Maori oral culture. It explains how the world was transformed from darkness into light, by the separation of the Sky Father and the Earth Mother. After the Sky Father and Sky Mother's children pulled the two apart, the God of the Forest now holds them apart forever. As the story goes, the world now has light because of this separation.

There is also a legend that explains how New Zealand was originally created. The landscape of New Zealand is described in fishing terms, according to this legend of Maui. According to the story, Maui's waka, or fishing canoe, is the South Island. Cape Reinga is the fish's tail, with Wellington Harbor representing the fish's mouth. His canoe anchor is portrayed in the legend by Stewart Island. The North Island was fished up by Maui using a hook that was made from his grandmother's jaw, according to the legend.

Mythical Art Portrayed in Maori Carving

You can also explore some of the myths and legends of New Zealand by viewing some of the traditional art. You'll find bone carvings, which are usually based on mythical figures. Although most of the traditional bone carvings from the past were made from whale bone, modern carvings are now usually made from beef bone. A fern frond unfurling is a frequent subject portrayed in bone carvings, representing regeneration and new life. The twists of the fern frond also represent people coming together, and the concept of eternity. Other bone carvings depicting Manaia are considered to guard against evil. Manaia are mythical beings that are traditionally depicted with human bodies and bird heads.

Wood carvings are also a popular form of art that is used to tell mythical and traditional stories. When created by master carvers who were well-versed in a tribe's oral traditions, these carvings actually tell important historical stories. Many of these carvings are quite intricate and are used to adorn meeting houses. However, wood carving is also frequently used in a more functional manner, as a way to create musical instruments, canoes and certain kinds of weapons.

Pounamu carving is one of the most treasured forms of the art. Jade or greenstone is used, which is quite difficult to carve. As a result, jewelry and weapons that are carved in this fashion are highly treasured by their owners. Highly treasured possessions are traditionally referred to as "Taonga."

Jessica Ackerman, writes for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, your best metal wall art store, and offers aspiring home designers the opportunity to decorate with metal art.






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