Maori Art (Whakairo)
I am absolutely fascinated by the Maori art that I have been enjoying and experiencing here in New Zealand. I feel strangely connected to the designs and shapes that I see contained in the paintings, carvings, and face tattoos (ta moko), that I have seen.
There is a strong use of spirals (like baby ferns that haven't opened yet), curled lines, triangles, jagged lines, dots, the use of black and white color, and symmetry. Some of you know that I have dabbled in some abstract drawing over the years, and what's really interesting is how similar my doodles are to some of the shapes and designs within the Maori art that I've seen so far. It's kind of eerie, actually. And something I would really like to explore further when I get home.
The Maori word for art is Whakairo. (Pronounced "fa-kay-ro").
It literally means a design, or as a verb, to ornament with a pattern.
Most of the Maori treasures now admired as art were originally created for practical or functional purposes, and are regarded by Maori as "taonga tuku iho", prized possessions handed down from their ancestors. Taonga, from what I understand, are living, organic, sometimes personalized and named beings, each with its own mauri (life force), mana (prestige), and korero (history and mythology).
Here a few examples, in case you are interested.
Carving
Tapestry
Mask
Ta Moko
Bone Pendants
There is a strong use of spirals (like baby ferns that haven't opened yet), curled lines, triangles, jagged lines, dots, the use of black and white color, and symmetry. Some of you know that I have dabbled in some abstract drawing over the years, and what's really interesting is how similar my doodles are to some of the shapes and designs within the Maori art that I've seen so far. It's kind of eerie, actually. And something I would really like to explore further when I get home.
The Maori word for art is Whakairo. (Pronounced "fa-kay-ro").
It literally means a design, or as a verb, to ornament with a pattern.
Most of the Maori treasures now admired as art were originally created for practical or functional purposes, and are regarded by Maori as "taonga tuku iho", prized possessions handed down from their ancestors. Taonga, from what I understand, are living, organic, sometimes personalized and named beings, each with its own mauri (life force), mana (prestige), and korero (history and mythology).
Here a few examples, in case you are interested.
Carving
Tapestry
Mask
Ta Moko
Bone Pendants
posted by lala at 6:34 PM
2 Comments:
I didn't know. I look forward to receiving a space-pen autographed, NZ-inspired piece of original Lisa artwork.
I'm certain your adventure is unfolding without regrets.
Journal Entry #7 - Here's looking at you kid!
I took captain Ken's advice and eventually found the Lazy Shag I was looking for. It definitely wasn't a very restful night that's for sure.
I guess the shag's are a rather lazy bird hence the name of the inn. On the plus side it had a vibrating bed which was something I always wanted to try.
Unfortunatly my Canadian looney jammed the machine and I spent all night being bounced around like a piece of unpopped popcorn.
I haven't slept much these last few nights and I now have a small facial tick that makes it appear as though I am constantly blinking at people.
I left the inn and decided to check out some the Maori art before I headed off to my "Farm Stay" adventure being hosted by Six Ewes Tours.
Luckily for me there was a Maori artist who was doing some face painting. At least that's what the locals assured me he was doing.
I was hoping to have something done to cover up the tick by my eyes. I am not sure why the face painting hurt so much. I guess it was all part of the act to show what a real Maori face tatoo would have been like.
I was amazed at the finished product. I just couldn't stop staring at myself in the mirror. It was a beautiful spiral of black and white circles.
When I went to leave everyone seemed to be staring at me in a weird way. I must admit I was blushing underneath all that paint. I guess they had never seen anything quite so loveley or anyone who could wear the art work so well.
It was like they were entraced with the beauty of my face. Even more strange though was that anytime I would ask a question people immediatley answered me and gave me antyhing I needed.
I asked for directions to Six Ewe's tours and eveyone started baaing like sheep. Those Kiwi's certainly have enjoyed joking with me on this vacation.
Finally, before I headed out one of the Maori elders who was near by ran over and covered up my eyes with his hands. I wasn't sure what he was doing as he didn't speak any English.
With my eyes covered up I could here people starting to get back on with their daily lives. One of the guides came by I started explaining to me why the elder was covering my eyes.
Apparently, the pattern on my face accompanied by the repetitive blinking of my eyes created a hypnosis effect and put everyone who looked at me into a trance.
Wow! What an embarassing start to the day.
Anyway, I can't wait to see you all soon.
LaLa
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