Pouwhenua carving
This pou is named He KÄhui Hekenga – A Collection of Journeys and is stylised as an upright waka. These epic migrations began in KÄwhia in the Waikato traversing the coastline to Marokopa and northern Taranaki in the early nineteenth century. The journey from snow capped Taranaki was arduous and thorns depict the difficult path southwards to the KÄpiti Coast and Wellington region. Along the way the people were strengthened through alliances and overcame challenging obstacles – represented by the classical pakati and haehae patterns central to this pou. When the ancestors crossed the waters of Raukawa / Cook Strait they shielded their eyes as a mark of caution and respect to NgÄ Whatu a Muturangi. The chevron patterns between the two eyes pay tribute to this giant octopus and remind us to be diligent upon these waters. It’s eight tentacles swirling around the middle of the pou are the confederation of Iwi in Te Tau Ihu. The front and top of this waka is the prow or Tau Ihu and symbolises the journey of WakatÅ« Incorporation and the aspirations of the people cutting through adversity. The taurapa / stern at the base is the old world, the foundation of our heritage. (5 years and 3358 days ago)
I'm totally stupefied by the story author. I had to use a dictionnary.....
VERY interesting. Thanks for sharing that
Thank you for the wonderful description to help viewers understand this wonderful artistic piece. GL
Howdie stranger!
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