New Zealand Maori Wall Hanging - Collecting Tiki

Z zombiepops Member North Carolina Joined: Jul 13, 2006 Posts: 36	Z zombiepops Posted posted 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.
T TabooDan Tiki Socialite Coast of BC now in Crowsnest, AB., Canada Joined: Jul 18, 2004 Posts: 691	T TabooDan Posted posted on Tue, Dec 30, 2008 3:53 PM Hey Zombiepops, Sorry, I don't know too much about it. I did sell one on Ebay not too long ago to someone in Vegas. I think it's just a mass produced towel/souvenir that was produced in New Zealand for the tourist trade. Probably 1970's so I think you're right on the age. It's also good you get it right from the source so you know it's at least that old. It has some very cool Tiki graphics but is otherwise like other gift/souvenir type items you would find from different places around the world.
SF Slacks Ferret Tiki Socialite Calgary Joined: Oct 02, 2003 Posts: 1396	SF Slacks Ferret Posted posted on Tue, Dec 30, 2008 5:00 PM I have the same towel...er...wall hanging. So that may tell you something...prolly not though...

Z

zombiepops Posted posted 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.

T

TabooDan Posted posted on Tue, Dec 30, 2008 3:53 PM

Hey Zombiepops, Sorry, I don't know too much about it.
I did sell one on Ebay not too long ago to someone in Vegas. I think it's just a mass produced towel/souvenir that was produced in New Zealand for the tourist trade. Probably 1970's so I think you're right on the age. It's also good you get it right from the source so you know it's at least that old.
It has some very cool Tiki graphics but is otherwise like other gift/souvenir type items you would find from different places around the world.

SF

Slacks Ferret Posted posted on Tue, Dec 30, 2008 5:00 PM

I have the same towel...er...wall hanging. So that may tell you something...prolly not though...