Exploring Māori Kowhaiwhai Pattern Design
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Exploring Māori Kowhaiwhai Pattern Design
Year 8 Art Traditional Māori Painted Patterns Cultural Heritage & Visual Design
What are Kowhaiwhai Patterns?
Traditional Māori painted patterns Found on wharenui (meeting houses) Tell stories and represent whakapapa (genealogy) Sacred cultural art form Passed down through generations
The Sacred Colours: Red, White & Black
Red (whero) - life force, strength, mana White (mā) - purity, peace, spirituality Black (mangu) - potential, the void, formlessness Traditional pigments from natural sources Each colour holds spiritual meaning
Mirror Symmetry Exploration
Take a mirror and place it on different kowhaiwhai patterns Observe how patterns create perfect reflections Notice how symmetry creates balance and harmony Try creating your own symmetrical shape
Visual Elements in Kowhaiwhai
{"left":"Flowing curved lines (koru spirals)\nGeometric shapes and angles\nRepetition and rhythm\nBalance of positive and negative space","right":"Symmetrical compositions\nMovement and flow\nUnity through color harmony\nTraditional motifs and symbols"}
Sketch Your Own Pattern Ideas
Create thumbnail sketches in your sketchbook Use only red, white, and black Focus on symmetry and repetition Think about personal or family symbols Consider how your pattern might flow along a beam
Reflection Questions
How does your pattern show symmetry? What story or meaning does your design tell? How did you use the traditional colors? What elements from kowhaiwhai inspired you?
Next Steps: Developing Your Design
Choose your best sketch to develop further Next lesson: create a larger, refined artwork Consider painting or printmaking techniques Continue exploring Māori art and culture Remember to approach with respect and understanding