artwork

Wood carving, or whakairo, has a long and rich history in Maori culture. Traditionally, Maori artisans, utilizing woods like totara, kauri and pohutukawa, crafted intricate designs laden with artistic and spiritual meaning. These carvings adorned significant structures, such as meeting houses and canoes, narrating stories of ancestors, gods and cultural heritage. Symbolism played a crucial role, with designs reflecting various facets of Maori mythology and history. Amidst this rich tradition, the Rakau Momori carving style stands out. Practiced exclusively by the Moriori people, this unique approach transforms living trees into exquisite manifestations of their cultural identity. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"114029","attributes":{"alt":"Left: An early Moriori tree carving known as a Rakau Momori on a karaka trunk on Rekohu, the main island of the Chatham Islands