| |
|
To view enlarged versions of the images below, and some more not displayed, click on any picture below.
| |
Wood carving, spirits, and meeting houses
|
 |
The Maori are trying to sustain their crafts: ornate wood
and stone carving. Although there are several places where one can see some
of their finest work, the Te Papa museum in Wellington probably has one of
the largest displays. This is the bow of a 40' hand-carved canoe. |
 |
Maori communities have community centers called maeraes.
This one is in the Te Papa and is, I believe, the national maerae. Far more
spectacular than a typical maerae it quite a site to behold. |
 |
Also in the Te Papa, this is an actual storage house where
the community would store its food stuffs and valuables that they want to
safe guard against rats and unfriendly neighboring tribes. |
 |
Eyes made out of shells, this is a fairly typical
ornamental carving pattern which happens to be on the storage house. Maoris
believe that man is created in the image of God and it is therefore
forbidden to depict man in their art. Their icons all feature 3-fingered
hands: birth, life, death. |
 |
This is a fence in Maori design. You'll note a common theme
of big eyes and protruding tongues. Maori would try to make their faces as
big and scary as possible to ward off enemies. |
 |
Along the theme of looking scary, Maori would also tattoo
their faces. Although I was told this is still in practice, I didn't see any
Maori with facial tattoos.
I did however sit on the plane home next to a Hawaiian drum performer
with facial tattoos and a tribal hair-do and comb. I initially spotted him
while in the customs queue and I have to admit he DID look foreboding.
However after a few minutes chatting, I realized he was actually just a nice
musician (and a bit light in his shoes). |
Return to NZ Index
Photography Index
|
|
