Post #421065 by zombiepops on Wed, Nov 26, 2008 5:25 PM

This is a wall hanging that was hanging in my grandmother's kitchen for as long as I can remember. It is probably older then I am, but I know it is at least 25 years old. I was lucky enough to get this from her house after she passed away. Its a collection of aphorisms of Maori wisdom, in a similar vein to the 'all I need to know I learned in kindergarten' posters.
The text on it (hard to see in the post) is as follows:

TE-MANA-O-MANUTUKE
Youth Talks Age teaches

Little dogs make most noise.
No one needs help to get into trouble.
The God of evil and The God of fear are good friends.
An idle young man - an unhappy old man.
Never be late to a battle to win it.
A pigeon won't fly into a wide open mouth.
Wishing never filled a game bag.
An obedient wife commands her warrior.
Beauty won't fill the puku (stomach).
Today's meal is better than tomorrow's feast.
The brighter the clearing the darker the shadows.
Chase two Moas - catch none.
Time to dream when you are dead.
The widest mouth has the widest grave.
One rotten fish, one fresh fish - two rotten fish.
A warrior without courage has a blunt laiaha (spear).
Great griefs are silent.
A fine foodhouse doesn't fill itself.
No twigs on the fire - no flame.
A big thing usually costs a lot.
A wise man knows both pain and joy.
The little wedge reduces the might Kauri

If any of you know anything about this or have seen thing like it, I'd love to learn more of the history of this item.