This carving presents the cyclic nature of life. The figure represents Tāne but with Pūriri moth (NZ Ghost Moth) connotations suggesting a life and death scenario.
Tāne is associated with life-force, he thrust his parents Rangi and Papa apart with his legs so all life could dwell in-between. He created man and flew to the heavens receiving all knowledge for mankind; this I have represented by the knowledge transfer symbol in the 3rd eye area. He also represents the forest and all life within including birds and insects.
Meanwhile the Pūriri moth is associated with death; these moths are attracted to the Pūriri tree, which were often tapu through their use as a burial site. Traditionally an infusion of the leaves was used to wash the body of the deceased for preservation purposes.
The Pūriri caterpillars (Mokoroa) would eventually kill the trees, but the birds in turn would feed on them, and so the cyclic nature of life continues...
Medium: Carved from Oak wood with pāua shell inlays, wood stain and paint
Dimensions: 650mm high
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