The Decorative Arts Of The New Zealand Maori A. H. & A. W. Reed, 22s 6d by T. Barrow

Te Ao Hou, November 1964, Page 57

The Decorative Arts Of The New Zealand Maori A. H. & A. W. Reed, 22s 6d by T. Barrow reviewed by Katarina Mataira Dr T. Barrow's ‘The Decorative Arts of the New Zealand Maori’ is certain to find its way on to the bookshelves of many libraries and homes. For all lovers and students of Maori culture this book is a ‘must’. At last someone has presented, together and in colour, all six of the decorative arts of classic Maori culture. These are: moko (tattoo), kowhaiwhai (rafter patterns), taniko (weaving of cloak borders), raranga (weaving of baskets and mats), tukutuku (lattice-work house panels), and whakairo (carving of wood, stone and bone). The examples shown are from both overseas and New Zealand collections, and some of them are illustrated here for the first time. That the author has a profound respect for the Maori artist of the classic period is apparent from the almost reverent manner in which the art work of this time is presented. Careful selection, expert photography and excellent colour printing combine to show to the full the beauty of design and exquisite craftsmanship of carving, tukutuku, taniko and other arts. Along with the many photographs of early paintings of Maori subjects are short notes of historical and cultural interest. The author presents some new interpretations which are of much interest, and his comments clearly show how closely the art of the Maori was integrated with his everyday living. Although most of the book is concerned with art in the classic style, there are also examples of rock painting and stone engraving, some of which probably belong to an earlier period. There are also some pieces which belong to the present time. This book will no doubt appeal to tourists. Knowing this, the author has included a chapter entitled ‘Tourists and Tourism’, in which he

offers tourists some advice. That ‘Maoris appreciate any sincere interest in their life or the life of their ancestors, but do not like to be viewed as exhibits or curiosities’, is a very true comment indeed. The one feature of this book which disturbs me is the use of a technique generally associated with the promotion of tourism. Dressing up Maori maids and warriors in present-day Maori concert regalia and posing them along-side canoes in a museum, and in front of carved houses, does nothing but perpetuate the impression which so many overseas people have that Maoris still dress and live like this. The photographs used here are also of the tourist type. The colour is far too strong and over-glorified. These pictures are in such unhappy contrast with the other ones that I feel it is a pity that the author used them. Notwithstanding this however, Mr Barrow has produced the most comprehensive, attractive, and easily read book which has so far been published on the subject. It caters for the amateur and the expert, the young and the old, and will do much to foster a greater appreciation of the classic Maori arts.