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MAORI CARVING “In New Zealand, a vigorous climate and an inexhaustible supply of suitable timber stimulated a greater development in the woodwork of houses and the Maori builders embarked on a course which was to culminate in the highest peak of wood-carving in Polynesia.”—Sir Peter Buck. “Superficial observation in the past has dwelt on the grotesque and barbaric side of Maori art, to the exclusion of the decorative designs which reflect the height of Maori genius. The forms of tree and flower, of birds and cloud and mountain, the story of the tribes, the soul and romance of native life, are expressed in these designs, evolved during many centuries of life in a country of great natural beauty. It would indeed have been strange had the Maori not absorbed the spirit of this beauty and interpreted it as best he could in the materials at his hand.”—James Cowan.

Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/TAH196003.2.9.2

Bibliographic details

Te Ao Hou, March 1960, Page 13

Word Count
148

MAORI CARVING Te Ao Hou, March 1960, Page 13

MAORI CARVING Te Ao Hou, March 1960, Page 13

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