Te Kuiti Stewart

Rongowhakaata
Tekoteko - kauri carving
1000 x 300 x 300mm
$6,450.00 NZD

The art of communication and learning is the theme given for this Tekoteko. Given the name Rongowhakaata because this means the Art of Higher Learning. This also happens to be the name of an auspicious ancestor from the Turanganui area (Gisborne). In Maori theology you have to first be settled spiritually in order to take on higher learning, so inner peace is often a peripheral energy.
The lower jaw has been omitted giving the upper jaw more prominence leading to Maori mythology of the jaw being a symbol of knowledge. It’s strong peaceful stance leads to the philosophy of inner sanctum of learning, the surface is representative of genealogy through epochs of knowledge.
The wood is Kauri, finished in organic oil and paua shell.

Rongo shares a position within the realm of the gods, with Kahukura, arbiter in war and peace, the care of invalids and the guardianship of travellers. He is also considered the god of the left side of man and god of the Kumara and cultivated foods.

Rongo is a deity that resonates all over the pacific and stands in great power as does Tawhirimatea, Tangaroa, Tane and Tu.

Go back to the Carving or the Maori Design or the over $1000 or the Te Kuiti Stewart collection.

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