Arahura Pouwhenua: Maori Carving Representing Earth, Sky, and Knowledge

A pouwhenua carved by Tim Wraight in 2002. This pouwhenua is carved from ancient swamp totara at the Maori Marae at Motueka near Nelson. It was blessed at the Maori Marae at Arahura on the West coast on its journey to the vendors then property in Wanaka and named Arahura. A form of Korowai, the Maori cloak. Whaiao papa mother earth and Ranginui the sky father are represented at each end. They are joined by the cloak border in the Poutama stairway to heaven design showing the pursuit of knowledge and discovery. The three Apirika spirals show the world of light in which all living things interact. Each spiral has two arms which join at the centre in harmony and balance. The faces below each spiral represents all forms of life. The woven design connects the elements above which Rawhiti, the Southern cross, and Matariki, the Pielades giving a connection between the southern and northern hemispheres. Provenance: Private Collection height 3.3M