Auckland Museum

Yesterday, Tiritiri team spent an amazing day at the Museum.

We had time to look through the general exhibits, and we loved the dinosaurs!
But we were there to look at Maori culture and art. 

During our time in the Maori Gallery we looked out for koru in as many places as we could find. 

Koru means "loop" and it is a shape based upon the unfurling fern. It symbolises new life, growth, strength and peace. Koru is an integral part of Maori culture and art. 

We spotted some koru on handrails,  In carvings, And in pieces of art.

.

We are going to use the koru in some art of our own over the next few weeks. 

Inside the Meeting house, or wharenui, we learnt that Maori use kowhaiwhai patterns to tell a story. 

We learnt a haka. Sorry the clip is so dark. 

And we were allowed to use a tool called a Tuwiri, used for make holes. 

We had a wonderful day. Thank you to our Parent helpers. We could not do these trips without you.

Some more photos from our day.