Billy Posted November 21, 2012 Report Share Posted November 21, 2012 Te Wairua o Te Rauparaha My earliest memories of Maori history and culture at primary school, was learning about the great warrior chief, Te Rauparaha. Significant for one, because during his heyday he ruled over the greater Wellington/Horowhenua region where I grew up as well as large parts of the upper South Island, and also because sitting in the same classroom with me was his great, great, great, great grandson. The same grandson who was to be my groomsman almost 30 years later. It is said that his coming was predicted well before his birth. And as predicted he became a senior chief of Ngati Toarangatira, the name of the Iwi meaning the descendants of warrior chiefs, and he gained a fearsome reputation as a great leader in strategy and combat. It is said that some of his battle tactics were adopted by the colonials and practiced during the Boer War, which also influenced some of the trench warfare tactics used by the Allies in WWI. Early Pakeha traders were very respectful of Te Rauparaha, and dare not incur his wrath. But Te Rauparaha was well aware of the prospects Pakeha could provide and welcomed them into his region, which only increased his mana amongst his people and other Iwi. He was also wary of them, and feuds over lands rights and lack of understanding by the colonials of the Maori way, eventually led to his arrest. So much can be written about Te Rauparaha, a man who was widely respected by his fellow chiefs, including his enemies. But perhaps today he is more widely known for creating the national haka, Ka Mate, used by the All Blacks as well as many other national teams. This piece is a dedication to Te Rauparaha and the dominance and mana he attained over central New Zealand during his reign. It is made from mammoth ivory from the Netherlands, representing the European influence and materials that helped Te Rauparaha's path to power. It features the Cook Strait that lies between the North and South Island and the awesome currents that flow, reflecting Te Rauparaha's strength. The pakati surface decoration on the lower section goes in different directions, reflecting those currents and Te Rauparaha's ability to overcome great obstacles. It also reflects the great migration where he led his people to new lands. The lower section shows Te Rauparaha's inspiration to generations. The notching on the bottom edge shows peaks and troughs that reflect New Zealand's landscape and history. The paua inlay representing the people sits next to the tongue of Te Rauparaha. In his day he was famed for rousing his warriors into frenzy, and often led them into crushing victories against formidable odds. And even today when a nation stops in silence, stands tall with pride, and gazes on with admiration, as our national teams perform his haka. Stuttering, I withhold my desire to rend open the entrance-way at this pit of the winking eye barrier for the lightning-flash incantations Glinting yonder are the angry eyes Will you bring me disappointment for me, sir? I breathe strength! I am awesome, wary! Who is the man so fully aroused, searching the bone pits, The dog pits where the great chief hides? I am alive! Ah, it's death, it's death It's life, it's life it's death, it's death, it's life, it's life This is the hairy man Who fetched the sun and caused it to shine Stepping upwards Again, stepping upwards, The sun shines! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan K Posted November 21, 2012 Report Share Posted November 21, 2012 As with all your work, incredible job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baz Posted November 22, 2012 Report Share Posted November 22, 2012 What on earth can be said about this latest work except that at usual you have transcended any and all expectations? I have followed with interest your journey on your blog Toi Rongomau I can only hope that someday I can travel a small part of the way that you have travelled. Awesome Korero Kapai doesn't even come close to what I want to say but as a Pakeha myself, that's all I can come up with Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mace ngata Posted November 22, 2012 Report Share Posted November 22, 2012 Ātaahua kōrero billy, lol you stare at rangis mahi, I stare at yours, lol ka wani kē ! , thanks bro, I have enjoyed the path that your kōrero paki took , and I appreciate your time taken in sharing the journey. As always the journey and the destination are both an inspiration and insightful' Ka mau te wehi o ngā taonga !!! Ka kite āno mace PS bro ,methinks you have some oooold peeps whispering in your ear ‘All born of this land are of this land. All who sleep beneath the mountains of this land are of this land. All who have come to this land and call it home are of this land.' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCallieri Posted November 22, 2012 Report Share Posted November 22, 2012 I love it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Posted November 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2012 Kia ora for the kind comments all. The day I actually hear some Koroua whispering in my ear Mace, I'll let ya know. Yes Rangi saw that comment, his advice was welcome as always. I still have plenty to aspire to. 'Kapai' does it just fine Baz. Glad you enjoy the blog. Ka kite Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bella Nicol Posted November 23, 2012 Report Share Posted November 23, 2012 Hi Billy, This has been my favorite to watch. I could feel your excitement from here and I think it is a great success! Whoever will have this piece will, without a doubt, be so honored by it. How beautiful! I can barely wait for the next one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony N Posted November 27, 2012 Report Share Posted November 27, 2012 you keep amazing me with your craft wish i was half as good as you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael B Posted November 27, 2012 Report Share Posted November 27, 2012 Billy, I don,t know much of your cloture but your art is awesome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marz willis Posted December 6, 2012 Report Share Posted December 6, 2012 real luverly piece,the lines flow and the edgeing is just that extra touch,of a well thought out and excuted piece..amazing.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nelson Lepine Posted December 26, 2012 Report Share Posted December 26, 2012 Fine workmanship!! Awesome finished piece! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian C Posted April 10, 2013 Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 nice work Billy, especially like the details in the ferns? how did you come up with the design ? Brian bcwoodcarver Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Posted April 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 10, 2013 Cheers Brian. I come up with the designs myself. I use traditional motifs and symbols from the Maori culture I grew up with and put them together in my own way to tell my stories. Thanks for the interest. Kia ora. Billy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natasha Posted May 5, 2013 Report Share Posted May 5, 2013 Brian, I like your work, very good design! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David G Posted June 2, 2013 Report Share Posted June 2, 2013 Love this piece billy, very very nice. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonnie D Posted June 3, 2013 Report Share Posted June 3, 2013 i think you transelated quite nicely the story into the work of art. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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