§ Symbology
Polynesian
symbol dictionary.
Each Polynesian symbol has a concrete meaning. This is an open and growing guide, built from the craft and ethnographic reading. It's not definitive. It's honest.
12 symbols published · growing
01 ——
Koru
Te koru
Māori · Aotearoa
Spiral inspired by the unfurling silver fern. New life, beginning, growth. Gives the studio its name.
→ Read02 ——
Tiki
Tiki
Polynesia · first human
Ancestor, first man, guardian spirit. Stylised face with large eyes and visible teeth.
→ Read03 ——
Manaia
Manaia
Māori
Spiritual guardian with bird's head, human body and fish's tail. Messenger between worlds.
→ Read04 ——
Enata
Enata · ʻEnata
Marquesas
Stylised human figure. A single enata represents a person; in a row, the lineage. Family, ancestors.
→ Read05 ——
Honu
Honu · Fonu
Polynesia · sacred in Hawaii
Sea turtle. Longevity, peace, safe journey. Sacred in Hawaii. Shell with geometric pattern.
→ Read06 ——
Niho mano
«Shark teeth»
Polynesia
Triangular pattern in bands. Protection, ferocity, strength. Borders and separators in compositions.
→ Read07 ——
Hei matau
Fish hook
Māori · Aotearoa
Stylised hook linked to demigod Maui. Prosperity, strength, safe sea voyage.
→ Read08 ——
Marama
«Moon»
Polynesia general
Moon. Cycles, femininity, intuition. Linked to tides and life transitions.
→ Read09 ——
Mata
«Eye»
Marquesas · Polynesia
Single or double eye as amulet. Vision, protection, knowledge. Ancient symbol of Patutiki.
→ Read10 ——
Manu
«Bird»
Polynesia general
Stylised bird. Freedom, messenger between worlds, spiritual connection.
→ Read11 ——
Vai
«Water»
Polynesia general
Water, ocean, life and sustenance. Visual connector in large compositions.
→ Read12 ——
Ra
«Sun»
Polynesia · sacred in Hawaii
Sun. Leadership, eternity, life force. Anchor element in large compositions.
→ Read
Individual symbol pages currently in Spanish. English versions coming soon.