Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rongomaraeroa Marae,
by artist Cliff Whiting, at Te Papa in Wellington is a colourful
example of a contemporary re-imagining of a traditional art form. The biggest change in
carving (as with most traditional arts) has been in the use of new mediums and tools.
Rangi Kipa uses a synthetic polymer called Corian to make his
hei tiki
(carved, stylised
human figure worn around the neck; also called a
tiki
) the same stuff that is used to
make kitchen benchtops. You can check out his gallery at
www.rangikipa.com
.
Weaving
Weaving was an essential art that provided clothing, nets and cordage, footwear for
rough country travel, mats to cover earthen floors, and
kete
(bags) to carry stuff in. Many
woven items are beautiful as well as practical. Some were major works -
korowai
(cloaks) could take years to finish. Woven predominantly with flax and bird feathers,
they are worn now on ceremonial occasions, a stunning sight.
Working with natural materials for the greater good of the people involved getting
things right by maintaining the supply of raw material and ensuring that it worked as it
was meant to. Protocols were necessary, and women were dedicated to weaving under
the aegis of the gods. Today, tradition is greatly respected, but not all traditions are ne-
cessarily followed.
Flax was (and still is) the preferred medium for weaving. To get a strong fibre from
flax leaves, weavers scraped away the leaves' flesh with a mussel shell, then pounded
until it was soft, dyed it, then dried it. But contemporary weavers are using everything in
their work: raffia, copper wire, rubber - even polar fleece and garden hoses!
The best place to experience weaving is to contact one of the many weavers running
workshops. By learning the art, you'll appreciate the examples of weaving in museums
even more. And if you want your own? Woven
kete
and backpacks have become fashion
accessories and are on sale in most cities. Weaving is also found in dealer art galleries
around the country.
Haka
Experiencing
haka
can get the adrenaline flowing, as it did for one Pakeha observer in
1929 who thought of dark Satanic mills: 'They looked like fiends from hell wound up by
machinery'.
Haka
can be awe-inspiring; they can also be uplifting. The
haka
is not only
a war dance - it is used to welcome visitors, honour achievement, express identity or to
put forth very strong opinions.
