Maori

A DigitalNZ Story by Shannon

Image: THE FISHING OF MAUI This picture illustrates the Maori myth of the fishing up of New Zealand (in other words, its discovery) by the Polynesian hero and demi-god Maui-tikitiki-o-Taranga. Maui, says the legend, went out m his canoe to fish, and so potent were his incantations and the mana of ids magic hook that he drew up from the ocean depths the Island of New Zealand, which to this day is known as "Te Ika-a-Maui" (The Fish of Maui). The singular tatooing on the faces of Maui and his companion (one of his brothers) is that of the ancient Polynesian design known as Moko-kuri. The picture at the aide, showing Maui hauling up his fish, is that of a very fine carved slab in Mr C. G Nelson'scarved house, "Rauru," which until recently stood at Whakarewarewa, Rotorua The design bordering the picture is that known as taniko the pattern used in endless variety by Maori mat-weavers (Otago Witness, 21 December 1904)

THE FISHING OF MAUI This picture illustrates the Maori myth of the fishing up of New Zealand (in other words, its discovery) by the Polynesian her...

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Little People of the Mist at Home

Little People of the Mist at Home

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Image: Imp offering a worm to a Kiwi

Imp offering a worm to a Kiwi

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Image: The Little People of the Mist

The Little People of the Mist

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Image: A Hot Scent

A Hot Scent

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Image: A Lesson in Natural History

A Lesson in Natural History

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Image: In the Bush

In the Bush

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Image: The Haunt of the Moa, a scene in Puriri Forest

The Haunt of the Moa, a scene in Puriri Forest

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Image: Celebrating Matariki at Archives New Zealand

Celebrating Matariki at Archives New Zealand

Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

Image: Museum of New Zealand exhibition poster (1990) featuring artist E Mervyn Taylor

Museum of New Zealand exhibition poster (1990) featuring artist E Mervyn Taylor

Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga