Te ika a Māui (Carved panel)Tene Waitere · 1900

  • Creation date1900
  • MuseumMuseum of Ethnology Hamburg

Tene Waitere (1853 – 1931)

Explore the rich artistry of tene waitere, a Māori carver from New Zealand (1853-1931). Master of intricate wood carvings, his works reflect Ngāti Tarāwhai heritage & Rotorua's cultural legacy.

Museum of Ethnology Hamburg (Hamburg, Germany)

Explore the Museum of Ethnology Hamburg (MARKK), one of Europe's largest ethnology museums. Discover 350,000+ artifacts from Asia, Africa & the Americas, showcasing diverse cultures, art, and traditions since 1879.

In both its composition and execution, this wall panel exhibits the carving and weaving artistry that makes Rauru such an outstanding example of late-19th-century developments in Māori wood carving. It shows Māui – a hero in Māori mythology – pulling the North Island of New Zealand out of the depths of the ocean. It was created by Tene Waitere, who together with two other woodcarvers was commissioned to complete Rauru. Of special note in this panel is the perspectival portrayal of the head in semi-profile, which diverges clearly from the stylized formal vocabulary of the woodcarving typical of its period. The combination of traditional elements with influences from European art can only be found in the works that Tene Waitere produced for European clients. He used these commissions to explore new compositional principles. The works he created for the Māori continued to conform with the traditional canon of representation. Today, Tene Waitere is considered one of the most important modern Māori wood sculptors.

About this artwork

  • Title: Te ika a Māui (Carved panel)
  • Artist: Tene Waitere
  • Year: 1900
  • Format: Portrait
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Where to see it: Museum of Ethnology Hamburg
  • Color palette: Earthy
  • Perceived brightness: shadow

Questions & Answers

What was Tene Waitere's age when "Te ika a Māui (Carved panel)" was created?

Tene Waitere was 47 years old when creating "Te ika a Māui (Carved panel)" in 1900. The age is computed from the artist's birth year, 1853.

How much light do the colors of "Te ika a Māui (Carved panel)" appear to reflect?

The luminance recorded for "Te ika a Māui (Carved panel)" by Tene Waitere is soft shadow.

What are the reproduction rights of "Te ika a Māui (Carved panel)" at the Museum of Ethnology Hamburg?

The original "Te ika a Māui (Carved panel)" is at the Museum of Ethnology Hamburg, and the work is in the public domain - its copyright has expired.

What orientation does "Te ika a Māui (Carved panel)" by Tene Waitere have?

"Te ika a Māui (Carved panel)" by Tene Waitere has a portrait format. The format describes the proportions of the composition.

Which artist is "Te ika a Māui (Carved panel)" attributed to?

The artist behind "Te ika a Māui (Carved panel)" is Tene Waitere. The work is catalogued under Tene Waitere's name.

When was "Te ika a Māui (Carved panel)" made?

"Te ika a Māui (Carved panel)" dates from 1900. The date places the work within Tene Waitere's career and its era.

What saturation and intensity does "Te ika a Māui (Carved panel)" by Tene Waitere show?

The colors of "Te ika a Māui (Carved panel)" by Tene Waitere show a subtle color saturation with a balanced intensity.

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