There is a legend that carving was discovered by Ruatepupuke. He rescued his son Manuruhi who was in the carved underwater village of the god of the sea Tangaroa. This legend leads to carving being seen as a ‘divine gift’ from the gods that was handed down from the ancestors. This art form therefor required spiritual respect. Traditionally the carving is done in wood, stone, or bone. The Māori Rennaisance led to an increased interest in many Māori practices, one of them being Toi Whakairo (art carving). Adzes and chisels were traditionally used to do the carving. The tools were … Continue reading Whakairo – the art of Māori carving