Putangitangi 2

This Putangitangi is made of Red Raku Clay, and carved in a Koiri/ Mangopare pattern.

Putangitangi

The Putangitangi is a musical instrument, used for many purposes, one of which is to help soothe a mother in childbirth and to soothe the newborn as well. It has a gentle sound, that when played right is very melodic and relaxing. The sound of each Putangitangi depends on the medium used to make it, and how it is played. This one has been made out of a white clay normally used to make cups and plates.

Half face manaia with full body

'WHAKAPAPA'
This piece is carved out of Heart Totara. As with all my pieces, it has many stories, one of which is the story of two brothers, Tanemahuta and Tangaroa. Without these two Atua there would be no mahi whakairo. Tanemahuta is the god of the forests, and therefore is where the Rakau (wood) comes from, so he is represented on the top half of the main Manaia. With two smaller Centipede like Manaia on either side of his face. the bottom half is representing Tangaroa, which (to some iwi) without whom we would have no carving. The lower half of the main Manaia has a tail instead of legs and feet.

Taki

This Taki was carved from Heart Totara, and was given as a gift to one of our fellow students as a 21st gift.

Paea: MDF

This piece was my first piece pu up for sale. It is made of Painted and carved MDF. Mounted in a 2 dimentional manor. The three background pieces represent Rangini- the Sky Father, Papatuanuku- Earth Mother, and one of their sons, Tangaroa- God of the Sea. The swordfish itself is a grandchild of Tangaroa ( to some iwi).

Manaia 2

Heart Totara was used for this piece.

Manaia

Heart Totara was used for this Manaia. This was the first of my pieces to be carved from Native Timber. How many Manaia faces can you see?