The koru [Maori for “folded” “coiled” “bight” “loop”] is a spiral unfurling fern frond which takes its shape from a stalk to a bulb at the end.  The koru is widely used in Maori Arts including maori carving, bone and tattoo and can symbolize:

1.       new life 2.       new 3.       newborn 4.       evolving life 5.       evolving 6.       perpetual effect 7.       growth 8.       strength 9.       life 10.   unfolding from origin 11.   spiritual growth 12.   spiritual life 13.   curling wave 14.   beginnings 15.   harmony 16.   peace

The koru is a versatile design and the pattern can be effectively elaborated on in many Maori designs.  The koru motifs are not only widely used in Maori arts but also represented in ancient Asian arts of Southern China, South-east Asia and tribal arts of Melanesia.  The Maori Koru may well have had its origins from these areas before being carried to New Zealand by our Maori ancestors.