The Headlands Await Your Coming.
In Te Ao Maori, Ahi kaa is a cornerstone principle of land rights. In an era during which urban drift and migration abroad depopulates small rural communities, the people who remain on tribal land continue the values of a centuries-old practice called ahi-kaa-roa, literally the long burning fires of occupation. Others return seasonally or when occasions call, to contribute to keeping marae ‘warm’ through usage. This body of work approaches marae and surrounding tribal lands as a lived space in which intergenerational use keeps the fires burning.
In Te Ao Maori, Ahi kaa is a cornerstone principle of land rights. In an era during which urban drift and migration abroad depopulates small rural communities, the people who remain on tribal land continue the values of a centuries-old practice called ahi-kaa-roa, literally the long burning fires of occupation. Others return seasonally or when occasions call, to contribute to keeping marae ‘warm’ through usage. This body of work approaches marae and surrounding tribal lands as a lived space in which intergenerational use keeps the fires burning.
Omaewa camp. (2012)
Gathering mussels for Ralph Hotere's tangi. Mitimiti. February 2013.
Hangi fire. Rahui Marae, Tikitiki. 2013
Shovelling back sand from the hangi. Te Wake unveiling. Matihetihe Marae. During the tangihanga for Ralph Hotere. 2013.
Opening the hangi. Te Wake unveiling. Matihetihe Marae. During the tangihanga for Ralph Hotere. 2013.
Last hangi basket. Te Wake unveiling. Matihetihe Marae. During the tangihanga for Ralph Hotere. 2013
Keri Kaa on the Tairawhiti mahau, Hinepare Marae, Rangitukia 2012.
Deer head Te Rimu Tikapa 2013
Boiled pig head, Te Rimu, Tikapa. 2012
Takawai Murphy's 60th Birthday. Hangi fire, Rangitahi Marae, Murupara 2010
Takawai Murphy's 60th Birthday. Food preparation crew. Rangitahi Marae, Murupara 2010