Local and New Zealand carvers come together to save a dying tradition

Traditional carving in the Cook Islands and New Zealand is in decline due to globalisation, threatening the loss of cultural heritage and prompting efforts to revive and preserve this ancient art form.

This was the focus of the recent Tātai Hononga carving workshop, a two-week workshop held at Gallery Tavioni and Vananga in Atupa that brought together five New Zealand carvers and four local carvers.

The symposium, hosted by Michael Matchitt, aims to share knowledge and preserve cultural traditions that are in danger of being lost.

While modern life, with its focus on technology and new ways of thinking, has led many young people to turn away from traditional art, experienced carver Matchett from New Zealand stressed the importance of events such as the Tataihononga workshop in keeping the art of carving alive.

“The workshops are a way to share each other’s carving knowledge and techniques to help each other build a legacy,” explains Matchett.

He believes carvings should be true to their essence, representing culture and personal expression, rather than just catering to tourists.

“Carving is a powerful cultural representation that must be promoted to the world.”

Mudgett’s vision is to showcase carving skills through exhibitions and to encourage people to use carving as a way to express their identity and new ideas.

Michael Tavioni, a renowned Cook Islands carver from Gallery Tavioni and Vananga, spoke at the seminar about the important role carving plays in preserving culture.

“The local culture ministry has been focusing only on promoting culture through dance, without fully recognizing that carving and other forms of traditional art are equally important in preserving our cultural heritage,” Tavioni said.

His concerns highlight a growing trend among younger generations to pursue modern art and ignore traditional art. As a result, Tavioni has been using his gallery as a studio to train young university students in sculpture, painting and many other forms of traditional art.

The lack of interest in carving has also raised concerns that the knowledge and skills required for the art form may be lost forever. As the elders who mastered these skills pass away, the craft and cultural significance of carving may also be lost.

Oliver Oolders, a young local sculptor who attended the workshop, expressed the same concerns and shared his deep connection with carving.

Aldous sculpted a Tangaroa statue at the event, expressing his love of carving and sailing.

“My work is inspired by the fact that I was a young sailor and had a strong connection to Moana and to the ocean.”

Explaining the historical significance of his work, Aldous noted that in the past Pacific voyageurs would carve Tangaroa statues in front of the Waka River to pray for good luck and protection.

“As a young man, I have a passion for carving and sailing and it is an honour to carve my own Tangaroa statue and to captain the Vaka on its next return voyage.”

The Tatai Hononga Carving Symposium concluded last Saturday with an exhibition to celebrate the connections made during the 10-day gathering.

According to Tavioni Gallery and Vananga, the outcome of the gathering was a connection that went beyond “art”/toi whakairo/taratarai and developed into a true genealogical connection, with everyone growing up in the same place and knowing each other’s family and friends.

“The learning and discovery is embodied in a series of creative and thoughtful pottery ostraca that all relate to reciting ancestral bonds with the Maori people. Each ostraca is carved from toa rakau (ironwood) for our community and visitors to enjoy.

“The workshop may be over, but we have only just begun. Reciting our papa’anga (whakapapa) is a long and profound process. Honoring our tupuna is about ensuring that the korero and vananga continue.”