Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tahu
The Work
Takitimu Ihorei 2019, Sperm Whale tooth
This niho represents the whales that guided the Takitimu waka from Hawaiki to Aotearoa, they were all female whales and are recounted in many Takitimu traditions.
The Medium
I consider it a privilege to work with a medium that has come from a tipua (super natural being) such as a sperm whale.
The Inspiration
My father was my main inspiration in mahi toi he taught me as a young boy and was always carving in his spare time.
The Art – what does it mean to the Artist?
Māori art is very important in terms of the life of the people as Māori. It's one of the main arteries of the Māori heart! everything and anything you could wish to know about the Māori world can be discovered through the arts.
He toi whakairo, he mana tangata!
Contact this Artist
toitakuta@gmail.com