A UNIQUE GIFT

Patea Mail, 2 May 1938, Page 2

A UNIQUE GIFT

CARVED MAORI SHIELD A handsome carved shield, the work of Henare Toka, of Taiporcwlienui, is to be seen in Mr. A. E. Wainwright’s window just now. The shield is to be donated by the Maori brethren of the Star of Egmont Lodge of Druids, Patea/ to the Grand Lodge of England for ritual competition. '.The centre of the shield is a symbolic representation of Matangi.rei, the house of the great tupuna (ancestor) Turi, of the Aotea Canoe.

The design of the' carving is known as Una.Unfyhi, or the scales of a sea monster. This is the fish Te Parata, into whose greedy throat the Aofcea Canoe nearly sank during her. 'historic voyage. Xlna.unahi typifies fhe dan. gets of the world. Withplain border inset with pawn, shelis.is Ma. tangi.rel; above the house the"dcsign

Mata.kupenga, show's the meshes of the fishing met. Herein Ups meaning of the shield. Though the dangers of this world surround us, those who come witjiin the meshes of the Druids’ net find safety in the house built by the men of the olden time, - , ,■ ;■ - - - -• \

A carved representation of an an. cient Druid completes the shield. Lightly indicated on his shoulders is a Maori cloak such as a chief would wear.