Paki Harrison: Tohunga Whakairo : the Story of a Master Carver

Description

Paki Harrison is widely regarded as New Zealand's greatest living master carver, a man with a huge reputation as a leading tohunga of the art form. He possesses immense knowledge about the traditional arts of the carver, extending way beyond the actual physical arts to include its most ancient aspects - the symbolism contained in Maori art, to its role in transmitting old tribal history. Few know more about the symbolism of the waka taua (war canoe), whare whakairo (carved meeting houses) and kowhaiwhai patterns. This major biography by Ranginui Walker, himself a well-known public figure, traces Paki Harrison's life and work, from his privileged upbringing in the Ngati Porou household of his grandmother, where he was singled out for special training. The carving and building of several big meeting houses is described in detail, from the inside. First published November 2008.

Awards

Winner of Nga Kupu Ora Biography Book Award 2009.

Author description

Ranginui Walker is a prominent Maori academic, commentator, writer and administrator. He is the author of the best-selling Ka Whawhai Tonu Matou: Struggle Without End, a history of Maori, as well as a number of other books. He is currently a member of the Waitangi Tribunal.

Stock Information

General Fields

• ISBN : 9780143010067
• Publisher : Penguin Group (NZ)
• Imprint : Penguin Books (NZ)
• Publication date : October 2008
• Dimensions : 230X150mm
• Produced in : New Zealand
• Product Type : books

Special Fields

• Illustrations : illustrations
• BIC subject : Carving & carvings; Art of indigenous peoples; Individual artists
• Pages : 256
• Dewey classification : 736.092
• Bind : Paperback
• Author : Ranginui Walker