The famous Maori Pukaki carving represents the remarkable, 18th century Maori warrior Pukaki, renowned chief (rangirata) of the Ngati Whakaue (sub)tribe.
In 1877 the wooden carving of the revered Maori warrior chief suddenly disappeared. It reappeared after more than hundred years during the preparations for the worldwide Te Maori exhibition.
It’s one of New Zealand’s most well known carvings and is currently exhibited in the entrance of the Rotorua District Council after this unique part of Maori heritage was given back by the Auckland Museum.
The almost 2 meters tall carving …

Whakairo rakau, the Maori art of woodcarving has been a cultural vessel for centuries. The unique designs, and patterns and their meanings tell the tales of Maori history. The absence of a written language hasn’t been an impediment of passing on Maori legacy thanks to the art of carving.
Wood carvings (as well as carvings of other materials) are keepers of Maori culture. Enabling an intriguing peek in Maori history the carved objects function as archives, museums, storytellers, and ambassadors. This notion also matches with the Maori belief that a perfectly …