Koru Designs - Meaning, Symbolism & Māori Art
The koru is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most recognisable Māori design forms. Inspired by the unfurling frond of a fern, koru designs are often associated with new life, growth, renewal and connection. Explore the meaning behind the koru, different design styles, Māori artwork and genuine New Zealand carvings.
What is a Koru?
The koru is a spiral form inspired by the unfurling frond of a native New Zealand fern. In Māori art and design, it is commonly associated with new life, growth, renewal and movement. Its circular form can also express ideas of connection, continuity and returning to where we began.
What does the koru symbolise?
The koru can carry several related ideas, depending on how it is used. Common themes include new life, personal growth, renewal, family connection and continuity.
New Life
The koru is often associated with beginnings, birth and the emergence of new life.
Growth
Its unfurling form can represent development, learning and moving forward.
Renewal
The koru is commonly associated with renewal, change and fresh beginnings.
Connection & Continuity
Its curved, returning form can express connection between people, generations and the continuation of life.
Koru Designs and Styles
Koru designs can range from simple spiral forms to detailed contemporary patterns. Artists may use a single koru or combine several forms to represent ideas such as growth, relationships, family and connection. Here are some examples of koru-inspired designs from My New Zealand.
Decorative Koru Pattern
Koru Heart Design
New Zealand Koru Design
Looking for a Genuine Koru Carving?
Looking for something you can wear or gift? Explore genuine New Zealand-made koru carvings from The Bone Art Place, with designs available in bone, pounamu and wood.
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Explore More Koru Artwork
Explore koru artwork from My New Zealand in different formats, from downloadable designs for your own creative projects to physical products available through our Redbubble store.
Downloadable Koru Designs
Instant digital koru artwork for personal creative projects, printing and gifts.
Koru Products on Redbubble
Shop koru artwork on a range of physical products, including stickers, clothing, gifts and homeware through our Redbubble store.
Koru Frequently Asked Questions
What does the koru represent?
The koru is commonly associated with new life, growth, renewal, movement, connection and continuity.
Is the koru based on a fern?
Yes. The koru form is inspired by the unfurling frond of a fern, especially the native New Zealand silver fern.
Can koru designs have different meanings?
Yes. The meaning can vary depending on how the design is used and combined with other forms. Koru designs may represent growth, family, relationships, new beginnings or continuity.
Can I buy koru artwork or carvings?
Yes. This page includes links to downloadable koru designs, physical products on Redbubble and genuine New Zealand koru carvings.
What is the difference between a koru and a spiral?
A koru is a spiral form inspired by the unfurling fern frond, while a spiral can be a purely geometric shape. In Māori design, the koru carries cultural associations such as growth, renewal, connection and continuity.
Are all koru designs the same?
No. Koru designs can be simple or highly detailed, and artists may combine one or more koru forms in different ways. The overall meaning can also change depending on the surrounding shapes and context.
Explore More Māori Artwork
Discover more Māori-inspired artwork and digital designs from My New Zealand, including koru, pikorua, hei matau and other New Zealand-inspired designs.