I have chosen to do a digital piece today that shows the work of 3 different artists from three different schools and ages.
The first artistic element:
The background of the piece was painted by my daughter as part of her final year exams and is a Maori flax kit, green lipped mussels, a bone fishing hook and twine. It is is painted in acrylics on thick board and I have always loved this piece. She had it framed for me as a gift and it's with me now in the UK.
Overlaying the background is one of New Zealands most famous artists: C. F. Goldie (1870 - 1947), who is renowned for painting photo-realistic images of the Maori dignitaries he met. He was born and educated in Auckland. The lady in this painting is Kapi Kapi who was an Arawa chieftainess who died in 1902 aged 102. She is wearing a traditional Maori cloak and a tiki around her neck, probably made of green stone. (Jade)
When is a tattoo not a tattoo? When it's a moko. |
The third artistic element:
The moko (Maori tattoo) displayed on the lips and chin of Kapi Kapi. The moko was not simply a tattoo, there was much tapu and ritual accorded to the process. It was also not just ink pierced into the skin, the tool used was an uhi, which was more of a small chisel and the healed moko had a distinct texture.
The ritual was slightly different between women and men but for the women a song would be sung called a whakawai taanga ngutu. This was to help them to remain stout-hearted and endure the pain of the uhi.
Gorgeous artwork, Liz!
ReplyDeleteFascinating story, beautiful art. I find the Maori's culture to be so interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the class, dear Liz. Great idea and beautiful lady.
ReplyDeleteWhat an educational as well as beautiful art piece, Liz!
ReplyDeleteFabulous artwork. Beautifully created.
ReplyDeleteLiz, you never disappoint us. Here is a lovely piece of art and a description of how it was made AND a view into Maori culture and symbols. Perfection!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Marie above. Fantastic picture and wonderful story! xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating piece of work. Loved it!
ReplyDeleteWhat fascinating info, Liz! I love the art and the way you presented it. The background piece shows how talented your daughter is...lovely texture. It would take more than a song to get me to have a moko!xx
ReplyDeleteInteresting history of a beautiful piece.
ReplyDeletei always love to learn something new! great piece!!
ReplyDeleteFascinating!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous and so interesting thanks for the great Post Liz!
ReplyDeleteFabulous artwork !
ReplyDeletePozdrawiam :)
Greglis
What beautiful face and art Liz!
ReplyDeleteYour infos are so precious, thank you! :)
A very original and beautiful piece, Liz.
ReplyDeleteImage étonnante Liz !
ReplyDeleteet merci pour les explications , c'est très interessant.
Amicalement mary.kg
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