Nga Taniwha

Tu Tangata, Issue 20, 1 October 1984, Page 42

Nga Taniwha

Bone carvings by Brian Flintoff

Photos by Michael McArthur.

South Island bone carver, Brian Flintoff is drawing on maori rock art for his inspiration. Specifically the rock paintings in the south island of taniwha have led to an affinity for the ‘taniwha’ form.

Brian Flintoff says he was challenged by Maori researcher, Steve O’Regan over two years ago to show his love for the ancient art form and this has now culminated in an exhibition at Canterbury Museum.

The exhibition included artifacts from the New Zealand collection relating to taniwha art and was opened by Steve O’Regan who explained about the people behind the art form. Of the bone carvings, the artist says: “The collection started with copies of taniwha and other creatures and this led to an interest in the artists and people of the time. “All these aspects are touched on by the exhibition but all deserve more attention. Some aspects, like the chevroned pendants are developed in several directions and others, such as the group ‘in the egg’ are explored in more depth.

“A few of the legends are depicted in pendant form and throughout is the theme, ‘nga taniwha’.” Brian Flintoff says he hopes the exhibition will be followed by a gathering together of background material, both art forms and legends for distribution to various artists working in a variety of media. ‘‘When these people return with a multi media exhibition on the same theme then I am sure we will have an event to look forward to.”

About the artist

He is a south islander of pakeha descent, and grew up in Colac Bay in the days when the old whare Murihiku still stood there. He worked with paua in Riverton. He took up bone carving five years ago while in Wainuiomata and made it a full-time work three years ago.