Post #222485 by Ayden on Wed, Mar 22, 2006 3:43 PM

Tena Koe BK,

I live in San Jose California, but was born and raised in New Zealand. I am Maori but my parents decided not to teach me in our maori customs. Although secretly I participated in Kapahaka group in middle school.

Recently I have joined a Kapahaka group here in the Bay Area and it has ignited a flame under me to get in touch w/ my Maoritanga and have started learning traditional waiata (action songs), and whakairo (carving). The Manukura (leader) of the group is instructing the group what she has learned in Poutahi under Dr. Sharples 8 level Taiaha program.

I have started carving my own Patu and eventually will carve a 2x4 doug fir plant into a Taiaha. I'm totally new at this have bought a Flexcut carving kit from Woodcraft. I also bought a draw knife, spokeshave and some cabinet scrapers to clean and smooth out my work.

I was wondering if it is appropriate to ask how you shaped your Taiaha before getting to carve the moko detail of the whakarehu (spear head). I also love the traditional way in which you shaped your tinana (body) and the ate (tail) of your Taiaha.

I am wondering if there is any way I can escape not having a shaving horse, and am wondering how you shaped out your rakau (taiaha/club) while maintaining the basic overall symmetry of the blade detail of the body through to the upoko (head) and arero (tongue).

I hope to hear from either you or Benzart. I've only just found this website today and am floored by the artistry and authenticity of yours and Ben's Maori artwork.

I'm anxious to learn from you, hopefully you are willing to teach.

Kia kite ano,

Ayden

[ Edited by: Ayden 2006-03-22 15:44 ]