Te Puawaitanga – The Flowering (jan 1, 1500 – jan 1, 1800)

Description:

In this period there was more expansion of style as the spiral forms emerged away from the more geometric forms and chevrons.  Māori became more familiar with using new stones, fibre and rākau in Aotearoa.

Te Puāwaitanga era typically shows how Māori expanded in construction and design. Waka, whare, and ceremonial items such as waka huia, toki poutangata were becoming more elaborate. Pounamu became a highly prized stone and adornments such as the kapeu and tiki became more prominant as items of status. 

Pigments such as kōkōwai was also in use. Mixed with shark oil and made from red ochre or clay, it was applied to taonga such as waka, poupou, cloaks and skin as a symbol of beauty and reverance.

Beautiful carvings made in the Te Puawaitanga period often were burnt due to the introduction of missionaries as they were seen as pagan idols. What survives in this period tells us much about the social tensions and the economy of Māori with trade.

Art examples:

Added to timeline:

Date: