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Born: 1963, Northland, New Zealand Tribe: Nga Puhi, Ngati Whatua Art Education: Self taught Here I invite you to consider Maori wood carving as art. If it is an art we should expect to be able to recognise in it the influences that have borne upon the artist and the qualities that he aimed to achieve. We could note how he has observed natural objects, how he has chosen his material, with what skill he has won his purpose through it and with what discernment he has sensed the form, value of a line, a curve or a surface. These are some of the qualities that constitute aesthetic essence, and by waiting upon them, as themes unfold, we shall better comprehend the art in his work. In contemplating its achievement as art we may even reach a truer understanding of the origins of its forms than by comparing and classifying the details of its patterns as we observe in carved houses, canoes and ceremonial objects. Maori wood carving is design expressing purpose and with technical accomplishment is an achievement fit to stand in company with many other decorative art. Te Hokinga Mai The return home is an expression of the deepest recesses of the mind and the heart of ancient Maori. These masterly pieces are legacy to us and they speak to us. These treasures speak to us of power, inspiration and the awesome wonder of mankind. They are the faces of the old world; the links of the old world to this world; and the sign posts from this world to the world which stands before us. Prince Arther Akarana, 2006