Perfumer Tamara Johnston has always been drawn to fragrance, but it wasn’t until she discovered her family’s Māori heritage that she found an even deeper connection and purpose. She now uses the knowledge of her ancestors to create fragrances that combine New Zealand native plants with traditional Māori symbolism and ingredients. These unique scents are not only of exceptional quality, but also carry a cultural message that speaks to many people. In this blog post, we will explore how Johnston is using her Māori roots to create truly special fragrances, one scent at a time.
What is Māori heritage?
Māori heritage is a set of customs, beliefs, and traditions that are unique to the Māori people of New Zealand. It includes elements such as the Māori language, cuisine, art, and spirituality. For many Māori, heritage is an important part of their identity and helps to connect them to their culture and history.
Māori heritage is under threat in some parts of New Zealand due to urbanization and the loss of traditional knowledge. However, there are also many initiatives underway to protect and promote Māori heritage. One example is the work of perfumer Hana Tawaia-Collins, who is using her knowledge of Māori plants and aromatherapy to create unique fragrances that reflect her culture.
Through her business, Hana Essentials, Tawaia-Collins is able to share her passion for Māori culture with others while also helping to preserve traditional knowledge. Her products are made using sustainable ingredients that are ethically sourced from small-scale farmers in New Zealand. In addition to supporting local businesses, Tawaia-Collins’ commitment to using only natural ingredients helps to protect the environment.
Tawaia-Collins’ work is an example of how Māori heritage can be used in innovative ways to create something new while also preserving tradition. By sharing her knowledge and promoting sustainable practices, she is helping to ensure that Māori heritage will continue to thrive in the future.
The different types of Māori fragrances
There are a range of different Māori fragrances available, each with their own unique scent. Some of the most popular Māori fragrances include:
- Ponga (Ficus vasculosa) – this fragrance has a sweet, earthy scent that is perfect for relaxing in.
- Rieke (Pseudopanax crassifolius) – this fragrance has a woody, musky scent that is perfect for an evening out.
- Kowhai (Sophora microphylla) – this floral fragrance is perfect for any occasion.
- Koromiko ( Veronica salicifolia) – this fresh, herbaceous fragrance is perfect for summer days.
- Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) – this fragrance has a warm, honeyed scent that is perfect for winter nights.
The benefits of using Māori fragrances
Māori fragrances are truly unique, and offer many benefits that other perfumes cannot. For one, they are deeply rooted in the culture and history of the Māori people. This gives them a strong connection to the land and its energy, which can be very grounding and centering. Additionally, Māori fragrances often contain natural ingredients that have medicinal and health-promoting properties. Finally, wearing a Māori fragrance is a way to connect with your own heritage, or to show respect for the culture.
How to make your own Māori fragrance
When it comes to creating a unique fragrance, perfumer Kiri Yanchenko is drawing on her Māori heritage.
Yanchenko, who is of Ngāti Whātua and Ngāpuhi descent, says her Māori culture has always been a huge part of her life and it’s something she wants to share with others through her work.
“I think it’s really important to have that connection to your culture, no matter where you are in the world,” she told HuffPost Australia. “For me, fragrance is a way to do that.”
To create her Māori-inspired fragrances, Yanchenko sources native New Zealand ingredients like flax oil, kawakawa and mamaku. These ingredients are then combined with more traditional perfume materials like essential oils and resins.
The result is a range of unique scents that capture the essence of Aotearoa. And according to Yanchenko, they’re perfect for anyone looking for something a little different.
“I think people are becoming more interested in natural ingredients and wanting to know where their products come from,” she said. “With my fragrances, they can wear something that’s inspired by my culture and feel connected to it in some way.”
Conclusion
It’s incredible to see how one perfumer is using her Māori heritage as inspiration for unique fragrances. Not only does this honor and celebrate her culture, but it also offers customers a new experience – one that celebrates the uniqueness of indigenous cultures. We can’t wait to smell what comes next from this wonderfully creative perfumer!
