Koru

The koru (Māori for "loop") is a spiral shape based on the shape of a new unfurling silver fern frond and symbolizing new life, growth, strength and peace. It is an integral symbol in Māori art, carving and tattoos. The circular shape of the koru helps to convey the idea of perpetual movement while the inner coil suggests a return to the point of origin.

Overview

Koru is the integral central motif of symbolic, seemingly-abstract kowhaiwhai designs, traditionally used to decorate Maori wharenui (meeting houses). There are numerous semi-formal designs, representing different features of the natural world.

Koru can also refer to bone carvings. Those generally take the shape of the uncurling fern frond. When bone is worn on the skin, it changes colour as oil is absorbed. Māori took this to symbolise that the spirit of the person was inhabiting the pendant. When someone gives a pendant to someone else, it is the custom that they wear it for a time so that part of their spirit is given as well.

Koru (Company)

Koru is a privately held educational technology company based in Seattle, WA., that connects college graduates seeking career-oriented jobs with growing companies that are searching for entry-level talent. Koru runs college-to-career training programs in Seattle, San Francisco, and Boston and has been profiled on national publications including Fortune (magazine), The Seattle Times and USA Today.

History

Koru was co-founded in September 2013 by Kristen Hamilton, co-founder of Onvia and Josh Jarrett; formerly of the Gates Foundation. Hamilton spent the greater part of her career in technology and education, including serving as COO of World Learning and Global Director Educator Strategy at Microsoft. In the spring of 2013, when looking for a way to combine her experience in technology and education, Hamilton and a friend were talking one night about how companies find and hire young talent. Inspired by that conversation, Hamilton later teamed up with higher education innovator Jarrett, who had spent seven years developing and guiding the higher education work at the Gates Foundation. This partnership eventually led to the foundation of Koru in Seattle.

Koru (disambiguation)

Koru may refer to: