The traditional Maori arts - carving (Te toi whakairo) and weaving (Nga mahi a te whare pora) - evolved over a period of some 500 years following the arrival of the first Polynesian settlers in Aotearoa. What began about 1000 years ago as a response to new materials and climate, gradually evolved into a highly developed material culture in which stylistic difference developed as tribal identity emerged. European colonisation also had a major impact on traditional arts. Here you will find a range of images depicting traditional Maori arts from iwi and regional carving styles to woven garments.