Maawhitiwhiti: Crossover

MAAWHITIWHITI:

TOWARDS A DEFINITION ‘The term maawhitiwhiti… when applied to weaving and plaiting mean[s] to cross over strands of material’
The Art of Maori Weaving: the eternal thread, Miriama Evans, Ranui Ngarimu

Within the context of this seminar series mawhitiwhiti is used as a metaphor. It signifies crossovers in culture, time and distance. It aims to capture a sense of the movement of objects and cultural values from Asia south into Oceania and eventually Aotearoa.

Tuesday 24 August - 6:00 - 7:30pm - Shared Cultural Icons

What kinds of connections can be made between Chinese\Maori culture? There is scientific evidence for Maori origins in Taiwan and points of connection in the South East Asian peninsula. This lecture looks further inland to Neolithic China. Is it possible that particular status objects can be traced from the material culture of the early China mainland to the most southern Austronesian outpost in Aotearoa? Taonga ‘treasures’in both stone and fibre are selected to test some obvious visual affinities between the two cultures. Might it also be possible that particular value systems and spiritual sensibilities continue to connect Aotearoa and its Pacific rim parent culture?

Tuesday 31 August - 6:00 - 7:30pm - Maori\Chinese Artists

This presentation explores some practical ways in which Maori\Chinese artists are demonstrating links back to their Chinese heritage through their art. Rather than tracing hypothetical connections these artists demonstrate tangibly the impact of both Chinese and indigenous Maori culture and values on their art. Particular art objects and statements are examined to trace these influences.

Delivered by: Dr Rangihiroa Panoho a Maori art historian who has 22 years professional experience as a curator and lecturer in the field of Maori and Pacific art. He is based in New Zealand and has published, curated and lectured internationally.