Traditional objects of great beauty, made of wood, bone, greenstone, feathers and fibre, are collected in this sumptuous pictorial guide to Maori art. Deidre Brown has selected the finest of Brian Brake's photos, and adds interesting and informed commentary on the Maori gods and legends that inspired these works.

The arts of the Maori are among the most alluring and sophisticated of the Pacific peoples. They developed their skills through centuries of endeavour and craft experimentation, expressing religious and artistic ideas in wood, stone, bone, shell and other materials. In particular, their carving and weaving are universally admired; Maori themselves proudly preserve their artistic traditions and honour the great historic art works. In this introduction to the subject, Terence Barrow (1923-2001) explains in simple terms the significance of the design motifs used by the Maori in their works of art, and discusses the material used, their construction and everyday uses. Highly illustrated, this book will answer the questions most commonly asked about Maori art and will give the reader a deeper understanding of the symbolic and spiritual significance of a variety of works and art forms.

"Traditional works in wood, bone, greenstone, feathers and fibre are collected in this guide to Maori art. Art historian Deidre Brown has selected the finest of Brian Brake's photographs and adds an intesting and informative introduction."--Back cover.

This is a new release of the original 1926 edition.

First ed. published 1955.