Post #479637 by Paipo on Wed, Aug 26, 2009 7:24 PM

Thanks for the replies, sorry for the lack of action. Things have been a little crazy round here the last month or so. I'm still lurking and still carving - in fact I sent some work over for the Tiki Island 3 show at the Freaky Boutiki Gallery. On now!

These two are Rapa Nui influenced, and also both use Rapa Nui obsidian and bone (from the beach here) inlays as was the fashion back then. The first guy was made especially for the "Tiki Island 3" show and the turtle was finished just recently. I decided to make him when we were looking at an animal theme for the swap and although the theme changed I went ahead and made it anyway. There is a beautiful example of one of the original carvings it is based on over the mountains at the Canterbury Museum and it is easily one of the nicest pieces in the entire place. Unfortunately it is not often on display, they have no home for their Oceanic collection so it's a matter of waiting until pieces pop up in the foyer cabinet or an exhibition.

Stone Tiki #71 - Tohunga

This guy has a serpentine double headed manutara (sooty tern) cranial glyph that wraps around from front to back. It's pretty hard to make out unless you are holding the piece in your hand and can turn it around.

Stone Tiki #73 - Honu

This one also has a manutara. The engraving on this stone was very difficult as it's full of these little cavities where softer material has been eroded away by sea and sand. It also has a big waterworn chip out of it. I actually picked this stone because of these qualities rather than in spite of them! I like the weathered look.

OK, there's something missing here...#72? I had to stop and think for a moment.

Stone Tiki #72 - Rua Manaia

The paua cabochon eyes really fire up when you move this piece around. I'm constantly amazed by the qualities of this shell and the endless ways to use the colours and structure.