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.

Up until now books on Maori art have described the work as either traditional (carving, weaving, painting) or contemporary, work produced post-1950s. This book presents a unique focus on Maori art by exploring the connection between the traditional and contemporary, and the place of Maori art within an international context. Maori Art provides a framework for looking at Maori art in a new way and fills a gap in Maori art history - while there are myriad surveys of Maori art there is currently very little critical writing on Maori art and artists. The book is extensively illustrated with over 400 art works, landscapes and meeting houses, many never published before, including 100 specially commissioned photographs from renowned New Zealand photographers Mark Adams and Haruhiko Sameshima.

Offers a look at the Maori visual arts, emphasising on the design. Covering tattooing, drawing and painting, carving and weaving, this book explores the origination, evolution, and significance of the designs, and explains the materials and techniques used to create them.

This collection of 15 projects offers children aged 7 and over a range of unique Maori art experiences. Practical skills cover sculpture, photography, design, paint, mixed media, collage and more. Easy-to-follow instructions include illustrations of the steps involved, using everyday craft materials, recycled and found objects. Examples of taonga (treasures) created by leading contemporary artists are shown alongside each project with a brief explanation of the object, its purpose and use in the past and present. While teaching as a museum/art gallery educator, the author had numerous requests from parents, teachers and educators over the years for ideas on how they could teach art and Maori culture to their children. These projects have been compiled in response to those requests, along with research and observation about how children connect with art. By engaging in these projects children will recognise that art takes many forms and can be enjoyed by everyone. This book will appeal to anyone looking for art activities that focus on Maori art and culture, and will suit both girls and boys. An emphasis on upcycling means that the ideas are accessible to the budget conscious without compromising on quality.

"In this book, the carver values the past, works within the communal framework of Maoritanga and respects the tapu nature of what he does; the artist looks to the present and future, practises as an individual within the studio and is concerned with the essential rather than spiritual nature of the work." --Dust jacket.