Māori Pattern Art

Overview

This 10-minute lesson for Year 9 students focuses on exploring two important Māori patterns: koru and mango pare. Students will create hands-on stencil artworks using tracing and painting techniques on paper or fabric. Through this activity, they will learn about symmetry, repetition, and the cultural significance of these patterns in Māori art.

This lesson aligns closely with the New Zealand Curriculum principles of cultural responsiveness, creativity, and visual art learning area requirements, while developing key competencies and ensuring engagement and equitable access.

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Curriculum Links

Learning Areas and Strands

• The Arts - Visual Arts (Level 4, Year 9) Understanding the arts in their cultural contexts
• Explore how Māori artworks use pattern, symbolism, and meaning
• Use tools and techniques skillfully to create art through drawing, painting, and stencilling (Visual Art Strand: Developing ideas, Using materials, techniques and processes)

Key Competencies

• Thinking – Recognising patterns visually and conceptually, reasoning about symmetry and repetition
• Relating to others – Discussing cultural meanings and perspectives
• Using language, symbols, and texts – Understanding and applying the visual language of Māori design

Curriculum Principles

• Cultural diversity – Incorporate Māori cultural narratives and significance of patterns
• Inclusion – Support diverse learning styles with hands-on tactile activities
• Community engagement – Strengthen students’ connection to Māori culture and heritage

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe the koru and mango pare patterns and their symbolic meanings in Māori culture.
2. Create koru and mango pare shapes using stencils and paint, demonstrating an understanding of symmetry and repetition.
3. Reflect on the cultural significance of these patterns and how they express Māori identity and values.
4. Collaborate respectfully with peers during the creative process.

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Resources Needed

• Pre-cut stencils of koru and mango pare shapes (enough for each student)
• Paints (water-based, suitable for fabric or paper)
• Brushes or sponges
• Paper or fabric squares (e.g., calico)
• Palettes or plates for paint
• Visual reference images of koru and mango pare patterns
• Whiteboard or projector for brief introduction
• Wet wipes/paper towels for clean-up

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Lesson Sequence (10 minutes)

Introduction (2 minutes)

• Show images of koru and mango pare patterns in Māori art, explaining their cultural context:
• Koru: Symbolises new life, growth, strength, and peace, inspired by the unfolding fern frond.
• Mango pare: Represents the shark’s jawbone, symbolising strength, protection, and courage.
• Briefly discuss the use of symmetry and repetition in Māori pattern design.
• Highlight the importance of these patterns in whakapapa (genealogy) and Māori identity.

Activity Setup (1 minute)

• Distribute stencils, paper or fabric, paint, and brushes.
• Demonstrate how to use the stencil to trace or paint around the shapes carefully.
• Emphasise neatness, repetition patterns, and symmetry as they work.

Hands-On Stencil Art Creation (5 minutes)

• Students trace or paint koru and mango pare patterns repeatedly, creating a border or motif.
• Teacher circulates, providing support, prompting students to think about symmetry and pattern flow.
• Encourage students to consider how the repeated shapes connect visually and culturally.

Quick Reflection and Share (2 minutes)

• Invite a few students to briefly share their designs and describe what koru or mango pare means.
• Reinforce learning by connecting the practical activity to the cultural stories.
• Highlight manaakitanga by acknowledging effort and encouraging respect for cultural knowledge.

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Assessment and Feedback

• Formative assessment through teacher observation of engagement, technique (stencil use, paint application), and participation in discussions.
• Check for understanding of cultural significance during sharing.
• Provide positive, constructive feedback focusing on effort, cultural respect, and creativity.
• Encourage peer feedback to build social competence and reflection.

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Extension Ideas for Following Lessons

• Explore other Māori patterns and motifs (e.g., niho taniwha, poutama).
• Investigate the use of these patterns in whakairo (carving) or tukutuku (woven panels).
• Create a collaborative class mural incorporating koru and mango pare motifs.
• Incorporate digital tools to design repeating patterns inspired by Māori art.

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This lesson plan fosters students’ cultural understanding and artistic skills while meeting the holistic aims of the New Zealand Curriculum, encouraging creativity, cultural respect, and visual literacy in alignment with the national standards and teaching principles.