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HUGE Vintage 20th Century NZ Hei Tiki statue by Master Carver John Rua
$750
SHIPPING OFFERED
Offered for sale is this stunning oversize vintage 20th Century Aotearoa (New Zealand) Māori hand-carved wooden hei tiki statue, created by Ngai Tuhoe Tohunga Whakairo (Master Carver) John T Rua and dating from 1980. John has an impressive whakapapa being the grandson of revered Māori Prophet Rua Kenana and as a literal ‘living treasure’ in Aotearoa is considered a master and cultural leader in his gift of whakairo artwork. Becoming deaf at a young age lead him to eventually study whakairo under the tutelage of fellow Tohunga Whakairo Hone Te Kauru Taiapa (of Ngāti Porou) and graduate with honours from the prestigious New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute in 1972 (where Hone had been appointed its first master carver in 1966). From here John continued to develop an impressive body of work carving thousands of individual pieces as well as working on many marae and other buildings of national significance. This unique artwork would have been carved when John was living in Otautahi (Christchuch) during his preparation to work on the Ngā Hau E Whā National Marae (where he also taught during its construction). The reverse is signed ‘J T Rua’ and underneath there is an incised ‘N34-392-1’. In 1992 his service to Aotearoa was recognised with the presentation of The Queens Medal. John’s work is held in private and public collections globally. Today he lives in the Bay of Plenty area, continuing to teach whakairo as well as sign-language throughout the region.
The design is a classical and powerful pre-European contact representation of a hei tiki. John has made this piece with great care and attention to detail (including the cord-hole on its temple). The eyes are inset with hand-cut paua shell.
To purchase a new, similar original (and not tacky tourist-ware) modern whakairo of this importance, size and quality would cost thousands. And rightly so.
This one-off piece of incredible artwork has the mana to grace any serious Māori whakairo collection, or perhaps as a competition trophy for Australian-based kapa haka groups. Tihei Māoriora!
Over the years the timber has developed a patination and wear that reflects its creation from a natural timber.
Measures 50.5cm (h) x 20cm (w) x 10cm (d) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
References:
http://johnrua.co.nz/
https://signdna.org/feature/john-rua/
https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/4t2/taiapa-hone-te-kauru
https://www.tepuia.com/nz-maori-arts-crafts/the-national-wood-carving-school/
https://blog.tepapa.govt.nz/2015/04/15/looking-at-hei-tiki/
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
I acknowledge my business takes place on the land of the Kulin Federation of Tribes.
Item: AU23004
The design is a classical and powerful pre-European contact representation of a hei tiki. John has made this piece with great care and attention to detail (including the cord-hole on its temple). The eyes are inset with hand-cut paua shell.
To purchase a new, similar original (and not tacky tourist-ware) modern whakairo of this importance, size and quality would cost thousands. And rightly so.
This one-off piece of incredible artwork has the mana to grace any serious Māori whakairo collection, or perhaps as a competition trophy for Australian-based kapa haka groups. Tihei Māoriora!
Over the years the timber has developed a patination and wear that reflects its creation from a natural timber.
Measures 50.5cm (h) x 20cm (w) x 10cm (d) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
References:
http://johnrua.co.nz/
https://signdna.org/feature/john-rua/
https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/4t2/taiapa-hone-te-kauru
https://www.tepuia.com/nz-maori-arts-crafts/the-national-wood-carving-school/
https://blog.tepapa.govt.nz/2015/04/15/looking-at-hei-tiki/
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
I acknowledge my business takes place on the land of the Kulin Federation of Tribes.
Item: AU23004
- Date Listed:03/08/2023
- Last Edited:03/08/2023
- Condition:Used
- Shipping:Shipping & Pickup
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