Latest Work.

IPU

An “Ipu” translates as a container or vessel, however, not just a physical vessel also metaphysical, the section of moko reserved for chiefs was ipurangi- the container of (Skyfather) Rangi’s knowledge.

Māori traditionally bury the placenta of a newborn baby in a special place, returning the whenua to (Earthmother) Papatuanuku. This was often done in vessels called ipu whenua, which were originally made from gourds.

Ipu Taonga literally means “a container or vessel for a treasure or precious item". In recent times these refer to the harakeke (flax) containers used for parents to transport very early miscarried babies for burial at home. 

In this series I have played with the black/white balance both being visible as the ipu. The koru shape in the ipu denotes the treasure contained within.

I have again framed these pieces in stark white box frames to allow the natural feather colours to shine.

An Ipu Whenua workshop will be held on the 18th and 19th of July in conjunction with Puanga celebrations, please contact Whanganui Museum for more details or just donate some time to make clay pots to donate to your local midwives and hospitals.