Post #333897 by Tamapoutini on Thu, Sep 20, 2007 10:14 PM

On 2007-09-16 03:26, Tamapoutini wrote:

Havent forgotten the BenZs and Tipuas and any others I have forgotten (??) - Im feeling BAD(good) & aiming to kick a few a few Tiki butts in the next couple of weeks. Talk soon guys.

Well, I wouldnt exactly call it a butt-kicking week but I did manage to get the wee fella done. Glad you like it BenZ - Tipua, you're next.. week. Thanks for your support Gman & bullet!

No other carving this week as there has been too much other activity (and noise) going on around the house - see my 'new workshop' thread if youre interested in mud, holes, rocks, etc..

This probably belongs in Collecting Tiki, but I thought Id share my latest aquisition. Hastily grabbed with a BuyNow at a very reasonable price, it is a carved waka huia or featherbox (the huia are a now-extinct bird whos black/white-tip tailfeathers were worn in the hair of Maori men, seen in many old portraits). The waka huia were traditionally up to a meter in length & hoisted with ropes up into the rafters of the carved house. Besides huia feathers, they were often the receptacles of pounamu heirlooms or other valued objects, 'tapu' to the lower-classes.

This piece was carved in 1973 (same year I was made) by a carver called Len Taylor. I cant say Ive heard of him before but I think its safe to say that this wasnt his first piece. Thought you wood chippers might get something out of seeing it..?

The figures at each end are open through the armholes to allow a suspension rope..

Lid..

Underside..

Its still a little dusty so Ill get some better (non-flash) pics soon - these dont do it a lot of justice. Good score!

T :)