Students need a classified collection of photographs

Te Ao Hou, July 1958, Page 34

Students need a classified collection of photographs There is an urgent need for a comprehensive study and tabulation of material connected with superior Maori houses and ornamentation—carvings, panels and painted patterns—classifying the same, recording the technique of each branch of the art, arranging the matter in such a way as to assist students of Maori art not only to follow the development of the art and the classification according to the schools, but also to understand the principles and essential details of construction. The subject should be pursued down to the present day, as it is certain that building by-laws, and new customs among the Maori people such as sitting on chairs, entertaining from elevated platforms, using dressing rooms, other facilities and convenient doors will perpetuate the modifications in carved halls which have come in in the last thirty years (the M.S. says nine.—Editor.) We want a classified collection of photographs with sub-classes and so forth including material from overseas. Recent adaptation and development should be recorded. If Maori ornamentation is ever to find its way into public and private buildings in this country it may be popularised through the medium of such collections. Figure from ‘Te Hau Ki Turanga’ (N.P.S. Photograph)