MAORI COURT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20069, 16 October 1939, Page 5

MAORI COURT

CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION CARVED MEETING HOUSE STATUARY AND PANELS Adequate representation for the Maori race at the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition lias been arranged. The Maori court, which is designed as a carved meeting house covering an area of 2500 ft.. is the central point for Maori activities at the Exhibition. but the native race of New Zealand also gains representation in the statuary and in architectural panels. The first group of statuary seen on entering the grounds by the main entrance will be striking figures of Kupe, his wife Mana, and the tohunga, without whom no Maori discoverer would set forth on a long voyage. Kupe stands with one hand grasping a spear, to his right his Wife is in a kneeling position, and to his left is the tohunga. The three figures stand grouped, gazing towards a distant horizon. The weapons and ornaments carried and worn by the three are exact replicas modelled from Maori handicraft. Possible criticism of the group may be that the garments of the figures differ slightly from the dress of the ,j Maori at the period of the white man’s discovery of New Zealand. However, it was certain that the dress of the Polynesian migrants from liawailCi was not that of the more modern Maori. There is no precise knowledge or information of what were the fashions of 1000 years ago. Standing at the head of the first reflecting pool, this grouping has an ideal setting. Example of Maori Skill In the main entrance to the Government court, the largest display building in the Exhibition, are a series of beautifully carved panels on loan to the Exhibition from the Rotorua School of Carving. This fine artistic example of Maori skill in carving is, in itselt, a worthy icpiesentation for the artists of New Zealand’s native race. In many other sections qf the buildings Maori motifs have been incorporated in architectural panels. The meeting house has been designed on traditional lines by an expert in Maori architecture and is illustrative of the highest form of Maori art and mural decorations. Leading craftsmen ot the present day executed the panels and each figure depicted in, the carving represents a celebrated hero in Maori tradition. Decorative designs composed of reeds and coloured native grasses make an" harmonious combination to produce the artistic effect characteristic of the Maori. Representatives of various tribes will display and sell Maori works of art.

Another feature of the Maori activities will be a series of entertainments presenting ancient and modern choral music and dancing. In addition there will be demonstrations of the ancient games and pastimes of the native people, and the ceremonial attached to their welcoming and farewclling of visitors.