Maori Carving : The Art of Recording Maori History

Carving is an ancient art form that has been passed down from generation to generation. Developed long before Maori took up writing, carving records genealogy, establishes a tribes identity, records historical events, preserves stories and communicates Maori knowledge.

This image-rich book shows and describes the process of carving, covering the types of materials and tools used, the carving strokes and surface patterns and different regional styles. It shows the range of items carved from meeting houses to musical instruments, waka or canoes, storehouses, weapons and ceremonial items, such as boxes and staffs, and gives detailed information on the carving of wharenui or meeting houses the epitome of the carvers art.

This is part of a series of four books on aspects of Maori culture. The others are: Geothermal Treasures: Maori Living with Heat and Steam; Maori Weaving: The Art of Creating Maori Textiles; and Marae: The Heart of Maori Culture.