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Ruru, owl, is at home in the native bush. Feathers are formed by a weaving pattern, subtly coloured, behind an impression of branches. Handmade paper textures the owl’s body and gives depth to the forest.
Ruru’s beak rises to markings above the eyes, made using the puwerewere pattern (spiders web) that often dignifies the eye-brow or carved human faces. As a makr of distinction, he wears a hei in the form of a bone carving around his neck. The powerful wing joint is indicated by a spiral of the kind that frequently marks shoulder joints in carvings of male ancestors, especially warriors of superior strength. Maori carving is primarily concerned with genealogy.
The double spiral reaches far into the past and extends into the future, linking owl to a whakapapa beginning with Rangi and Papa, the first parents. Their son, Tane Mahuta became father of the birds, the trees and human beings.
The gaze of this owl, as watcher and seeker, traverses distances not only of time, but also of space reaching well beyond the shores of New Zealand. Ruru is placed in the wider context of the Pacific, a reminder that New Zealand is not an independent entity, but an island which has neighbours. Asia, to the north-west is suggested by Chinese doves and an insect derived from Asian art. America to the east is signified by a Native American spoon and an eye from a Native American mask.
The eyes of the owl, meeting the eyes of the viewer from every angle, convey a sense of mystery. There is power and ancient dignity in Ruru’s presence. This is offset by an impression of soft feathers as the bird watches from an endangered forest, where there are no leaves on the branches. |
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