Master Carver's Red Stained Waka with Paua Inlays

A waka by master carver Wi Te Parihi Mou Paru, Wi Te Parihi Mou Paru, also known as bill Mou (1912-1974) carved this waka as a private commission in the 1960s. Bill Mou began his carving apprenticeship with Mr. Pine Taipa in 1925 and worked on the Waitangi meeting house in the bay of Islands. Bill Mou has also worked on the Rongopai meeting house at Waituhi. In 1968 bill Mou founded the Maori Arts & Crafts centre in Gisborne and became its first tutor. In 1936 Sir 'Pirana Ngata founded the ngati Paneke group of carvers and bill Mou became a founding member.The waka is carved from totara which has been stained deep red. It also features paua shell inlays and has a removable prow and stern. The waka is mounted on two stands. Height 33.1 cm, width 150 (stand)mm, depth 90.5 cm