Tāniko Earring Set
Dark blue and white.
Hand woven Tāniko earrings, made of cotton and silk.
Hooks are hypoallergenic coloured silver.
Measurements of Tāniko are approx 1.5cmx6cm.
All Tāniko items sold will receive a complimentary Māori themed resin bag charm chosen by Moody Māori.
Measurement including hook is approx a 10.5cm drop.
About Tāniko
If you have been fortunate enough to have seen a kapa haka group (Māori cultural performers) take stage you would immediately recognise Tāniko as the geometric patterns with contrasting colours that adorn the garments worn by the performers. The pari (bodice) worn by Wāhine (Women), top band of the piupiu (flax skirt) and headbands are some examples.
Traditionally Tāniko is woven using harakeke (flax) by highly skilled and practiced weavers. Its modern day existence builds on the strong foundations established by our Tipuna (forebearers) - a taonga (gift).
Other Māori art forms such as tukutuku panels (traditional lattice work), kōwhaiwhai (painted rafters of the wharenui/meeting house) and toi whakairo (carving) often share common patterns with Tāniko. These designs can all be related to the natural environment and whakapapa (geneology), visual artforms that communicate Māori cultural beliefs and tribal history of the local areas in which they are situated.
The patterns represented here at Moody Māori are mostly based on traditional ones although I do turn my hand to other designs and colour sequences.
Below you will find some names and patterns most dominant in the weaving of Tāniko but i do aknowledge that these names may differ throughout the different tribal regions here in Aotearoa (New Zealand).
Rau Kumara - (sweet potato vines) where horizontal and vertical lines are most dominant in the pattern design. Growth, nourishment and prosperity are attributed to the meaning of this design.
Aramoana - the chevron shape is the main focus of these designs. Literally translating to 'pathway of the sea' where the triangle is placed in a upward position signifying growth and moving forwards.
Pātikitiki - this refers to designs where the diamond is most dominant. The diamond shape of this pattern is based on the shape of the flounder fish which refers to the ability to provide for an entire iwi (tribe).
Aronui/Aonui - where the triangle is mainly used in the design, its meaning relates to the pursuit of knowledge.
Niho Taniwha - where triangles are stepped at an angle and refered to as 'teeth'. Commonly associated with the whale and shark representing strength, leadership and resilience.
Kōwhaiwhai - the name refers to the painted designs on the rafters of a wharenui (meeting house).
Poutama - this design is well known as the stairway to heaven or stairs.
I hope this information highlights the thought and technicality that goes into every single item handwoven by Moody Māori via Tāniko.