"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.

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.

This book answers questions such as: When was Aotearoa discovered? How was Maori society organised in pre-European times? What is traditional Maori art? How does that Treaty of Waitangi affect us today? These are some of the questions commonly asked by New Zealanders and visitors about Maori people and their culture.

This publication introduces Maori art and culture to a wider audience and explores themes which are at the forefront of Maori studies. As well as examining the archaeology and early history of the Maori people, this text discusses the evidence for religion, ritual and social and political organizations before and after the arrival of the Europeans. The development of distinctive Maori art is examined in detail, with particular attention paid to the techniques and materials used, whilst modern perspectives on Maori traditions and culture are provided by a team of scholars from New Zealand and Britain. This revised and expanded edition includes a chapter on contemporary Maori art.

- When was Aotearoa discovered? - How was Maori society organised in pre-European times? - What is traditional Maori art? - How does the Treaty of Waitangi affect us today? History and culture, from the great Polynesian migration to present-day sport and politics, are explored in this introduction to the world of the Maori.

This book provides a starting point for those wanting to gain an insight into traditional Maori art.