Thursday 2 December 2021

Maori Rock Carvings


One from when we were in Taupo earlier this year is this Maori Rock Carving which is only accessible via water on a boat. We booked a charter with other tourists and headed out to Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay.

 This is not classed as historical as it was carved in the late 1970s by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell after he had completed his 10 year training with Maori elders. He then came to his grandmother's land at Lake Taupo to mark the occasion. He decided to carve a likeness of Ngatoroirangi (who was an early explorer to the area over a thousand years ago) and also carved 2 smaller celtic figures on either side (you might just be able to spot them) which depict the south wind.

The main carving is over 10 metres high and took 4 Summers to complete. The artwork is is Matahi's gift to Taupo. He and 4 assistants Te Miringa Hohaia, Steve Myhre, Dave Hegglun, and cousin Jono Randell took no payment other than small change donations from local bar patrons to cover the cost of scaffolding.

Linking up with Skywatch Friday and All Seasons

13 comments:

Billy Blue Eyes said...

That took some work doing that from scaffolding in the water. Really impressive

Andy said...

The artists left their mark. That was generous of them not to accept payment.

William Kendall said...

Impressive!

Iris Flavia said...

Wonderful! Together with the clear water, very beautiful.

local alien said...

I wish I could have seen this. It always looks so powerful in photos. A lot of talent involved in the carving!

b.c. said...

amazing, very nice to see this, and know about the artists!

ps love the new cover photo :))

Bill said...

Very impressive, I like it. I also like your new header, it looks like a great beach to visit and enjoy.

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Amazing! The size and location make it even more impressive.

Jim said...

Beautiful carving.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

That is a very impressive work of art. Great setting.

NatureFootstep said...

those guys did a great job creating this carving. Wonderful work!

kwarkito said...

what a wonderful and amazing petroglyph ! have a nice weekend

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Keeping the tradition and culture alive -- how wonderful and how important. Thank you for sharing, glad you got to go see it.

Westport News

  This has been one of the early buildings in Westport from the 1870s that is still being used for the local newspaper, so much old Victoria...