Fern Fronds

31x15cm

The koru is derived from the fern frond, a bush native to New Zealand. In general, this symbol represents tranquillity, peace, growth, regeneration, and new beginnings.

Aside from that, the koru is associated with nurturing. When it is interlocked with other symbols, it can symbolize the purity and strength of a relationship.

In the Ta Moko tattoo art, artists use the koru symbol to represent genealogy and parenthood. The reason is that it is thought to have human characteristics, such as a body, head, neck, and eye.

Because of this meaning, a single or multiple koru design is believed to symbolize ancestry (whakapapa).

Lastly, the koru also portrays a relationship between husband and wife or a parent and a child.