MAORI CARVINGS
Excellent Specimens Found
In Swamp
Excellent specimens of Maori craftsmanship in a sound state of preservation were unearthed during draining operations in a swamp at Tikorangi. near Waitara. The discovery was made by Mr. L. A. Alexander on his property. Near by is a Maori fortified pa or redoubt known as “Pinchgut.” so named by bushrangers during the Maori War because they were on 'short commons there. It is considered that, when the Maoris had to leave the redoubt on being attacked by northern Maoris, they threw the carvings into the swamp to hide them, intending to return later and retrieve them.
The specimens included a magnificent example of Maori carving, evidently part of the front of an important whare of an ancient Maori pa. It was carved out of a solid block of totara, about 7ft. long and 14in. or Ifiin. wide and about uln. thick. There are five carved figures, all of which are different. Four are complete and in perfect condition, showing careful attention to detail. The carving that, links the figures shows delicate delineations that were a .feature of the ancient Maori craftsman’s art.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DOM19420829.2.88
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Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 284, 29 August 1942, Page 10
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190MAORI CARVINGS Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 284, 29 August 1942, Page 10
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