  |
|||
|
|
The woven panel, centered and displayed on the wall, entices attention from all who visit. Tattered and frayed, it proudly shows its age and the many hours that went into its creation.
Patterns on many Tukutuku panels depict the connection the Maori people have felt to the land in which they've dwelt - a connection common to all first inhabitants of a country. Connection to the sky and trees, to the wind and waters...connection to time itself, is expressed in the artwork, designs and colors chosen. Leather strips are often used now instead of flax. And, over the years, the customization of the panels has changed to coincide with the more modern likes and dislikes of each person, or the more specialized purpose of each group, for which a Tukutuku is created. One in seven New Zealanders is of Maori descent. The term "Maori" means "original" people. As with many Aboriginals, their origin is clouded by differing theories. But whether they arrived in New Zealand from Cook Island in 805 AD or from farther away earlier, their impact and influence is evident, not only by the interest "tourists" have in their culture, but by the Maori ongoing struggles for continued self-identity. The Tukutuku takes on even more significance when we realize that Maori history was passed on from one generation to the next creatively through ceremonies, songs and art, rather than through written texts. Passed along also, was the philosophy of "giving something in return of equal value or more" and the belief that "the artist is a vehicle through whom the gods create". Knowing this makes it easy to understand the importance Maori culture is to the Maori people. (It's not uncommon for an entire group of people to spend several hundred hours working on a Tukutuku. Here is very much modified version for you to make.) MATERIALS Determine the width and length of your Tukutuku. 3 Dowels... One each, cut for the horizontal top and bottom (equal to the panel width). One sized for the center vertical back (slightly shorter than the panel length, used for structure) Should be larger than ones used as "reeds".
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Regenia G. Butcher's Ethnic Crafts topic, please visit the Discussions page. |
||
|
|
|||
