The arts of the Maori are among the most alluring and sophisticated of the Pacific peoples. They developed their skills through centuries of endeavour and craft experimentation, expressing religious and artistic ideas in wood, stone, bone, shell and other materials. In particular, their carving and weaving are universally admired; Maori themselves proudly preserve their artistic traditions and honour the great historic art works. In this introduction to the subject, Terence Barrow (1923-2001) explains in simple terms the significance of the design motifs used by the Maori in their works of art, and discusses the material used, their construction and everyday uses. Highly illustrated, this book will answer the questions most commonly asked about Maori art and will give the reader a deeper understanding of the symbolic and spiritual significance of a variety of works and art forms.

Traditional objects of great beauty, made of wood, bone, greenstone, feathers and fibre, are collected in this sumptuous pictorial guide to Maori art. Deidre Brown has selected the finest of Brian Brake's photos, and adds interesting and informed commentary on the Maori gods and legends that inspired these works.

Offers a look at the Maori visual arts, emphasising on the design. Covering tattooing, drawing and painting, carving and weaving, this book explores the origination, evolution, and significance of the designs, and explains the materials and techniques used to create them.

"Among all the cultures of the Pacific region, that of the Maori stands out in its rich repertoire of highly-refined and complex arts. Historically, art has pervaded the whole Maori way of life, and in this century there has been a conscious effort to preserve - or revive - the tradional skills of weaving and fibre arts, painting, latticework, carving, tattoo, chant and oratory, as well as Maori language and customs. The spiritual dimension of Maori art is still strongly felt: the taonga, or art treasures, of the Maori are not only objects of beauty but of great spiritual and ancestral power."--BOOK COVER.

This is a new release of the original 1926 edition.

First ed. published 1955.

Traditional works in wood, bone, greenstone, feathers and fibre are collected in this guide to Maori art. Art historian Deidre Brown has selected the finest of Brian Brake's photographs and adds an interesting and informative introduction.