'Tāne-te-Wānanga-ā-Rangi' by Greg Houkamau, 2021
Item — Object: Library Display
Identifier: S04470021
Dates
- 2021
Biographical / Historical
This carving began as a partnership between the library and Ngā Kete Matauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust . Carver Greg Houkamau was organised to do a public carving demonstration over multiple days in the library as part of Maori Language week in September 2020. The carving was started in the library and then removed to Greg’s home for completion.
As the discussion progressed the project turned into a commission for Greg to complete something that would complement the library and its Te Reo name, Te Haeata. Greg used this as a starting point and developed the carving from there. The information plaque for this item explains this connection in detail.
The carving was blessed in a ceremony on 1st March 2021 with Michael Skerrett performing the blessing. Library staff, Ngā Kete staff, Greg’s family and some representatives from the ICC Executive Leadership Team attended the morning ceremony.
As the discussion progressed the project turned into a commission for Greg to complete something that would complement the library and its Te Reo name, Te Haeata. Greg used this as a starting point and developed the carving from there. The information plaque for this item explains this connection in detail.
The carving was blessed in a ceremony on 1st March 2021 with Michael Skerrett performing the blessing. Library staff, Ngā Kete staff, Greg’s family and some representatives from the ICC Executive Leadership Team attended the morning ceremony.
Biographical / Historical
The plaque accompanying this item states:
'Tāne-te-Wānanga-ā-Rangi' (Tāne, bringer of knoweldge from the sky)
Tāne, Te Haeata and Taka Wairangi travelled to Tiritiri-o-Matangi, the eleventh realm. Then Te Haeata and Taka Wairangi turned back.
When Tāne arrived at Te Toi-o-ngā-Rangi, the twelth realm, Tāne was welcomed by Io and recieved the three baskets of knowledge and the two sacred stones.
Ngā Kete o te Wānanga Ko te Kete Aronui that held all the knowledge that could help humanity. Ko te Kete Tuauri that held the knowledge of ritual, memory and prayer. Ko te Kete Tuatea hat contained knowledge of evil or makutu, which was harmful to humanity. The stones of Whatukura (eyes of knowledge) known as Rehutai and Hukatai held the power of knowledge and added mana to the teaching and learning of knowledge.
When Tāne finally reachedearth again he placed the baskets and stones in a wharekura (special house of knowledge), which he had built before his journey to the heavens. Tāne-te-Wānanga-ā-Rangi was left to maintain order on earth.
Kaiwhakairo - Greg Houkamau 2021
'Tāne-te-Wānanga-ā-Rangi' (Tāne, bringer of knoweldge from the sky)
Tāne, Te Haeata and Taka Wairangi travelled to Tiritiri-o-Matangi, the eleventh realm. Then Te Haeata and Taka Wairangi turned back.
When Tāne arrived at Te Toi-o-ngā-Rangi, the twelth realm, Tāne was welcomed by Io and recieved the three baskets of knowledge and the two sacred stones.
Ngā Kete o te Wānanga Ko te Kete Aronui that held all the knowledge that could help humanity. Ko te Kete Tuauri that held the knowledge of ritual, memory and prayer. Ko te Kete Tuatea hat contained knowledge of evil or makutu, which was harmful to humanity. The stones of Whatukura (eyes of knowledge) known as Rehutai and Hukatai held the power of knowledge and added mana to the teaching and learning of knowledge.
When Tāne finally reachedearth again he placed the baskets and stones in a wharekura (special house of knowledge), which he had built before his journey to the heavens. Tāne-te-Wānanga-ā-Rangi was left to maintain order on earth.
Kaiwhakairo - Greg Houkamau 2021
Extent
2 object item(s)
Language of Materials
English
Existence and Location of Originals
On display on the ground floor of the library in the lounge area.
Physical Description
Wooden carving with multimedia elements e.g. flax kete. This item has an accompanying informational wooden plaque with paua inlay and metal.
Repository Details
Part of the Invercargill City Libraries and Archives Repository
