You can absolutely buy a carving or taonga for yourself! Michael Matchitt produces every Māori wood carving and stone carving with the intention it will be treasured and meaningful. We fully support you giving yourself a special gift or adding one of his works to your art collection.
No. Māori wood carving and stone carving uses symbolism which has generalised meanings, and they can be woven together in a particular context to tell a story. When you take on a piece of tradition like a Michael Matchitt work, you can attribute whatever specific meaning is appropriate for your purpose. With works like these you may get a sense or feeling of wairua or spiritual meaning intended for you. Think of it like a poem that different people can interpret different ways.
For example, a kowhaiwhai pattern uses imagery from vines and shoots. In its most general sense it represents whakapapa (family history or lineage). That might refer to a specific whakapapa connection (like your iwi/tribe) or it might relate to your connection or history with a place or people or organisation. Whakapapa can be about bloodlines or it can be about other types of history.
This is a very traditional symbol. It was often used to show strength, courage, and fierceness. In Michael Matchitt's work it often represents storytelling, communication, and the sharing of knowledge.
No it does not need to be blessed but you can have this done if you wish. Because a blessing is very personal, it's not something Michael Matchitt will do for you. But if you want some advice, you can give him a call and he might be able to put you in touch with your local hapū or iwi (subtribe or tribe).
No, unless you are Māori (so you'll have your own tikanga/protocols), or it has been specifically commissioned. If that’s the case, we’ll tell you any special cultural requirements based on the work and its purpose.
No. Michael Matchitt has cultural practices that keep him and his work safe from these things. As he is a tohunga whakairo with lifelong experience, you can be sure that tikanga (protocols) have been followed.
It's more likely that these treasures will invite good things into your life, if that's the meaning you attribute to them - for example if you buy or give a taonga as spiritual protection.
No. Your carving is not inherently sacred. You may choose to treat it that way, but that is up to you. As a contemporary work of art designed for sale to the public, it has no restrictions placed on it.
Yes. We generally recommend displaying your carving indoors as weather will eventually break down the wood. But we also know that wood exposed to nature ages with beauty and character—just remember that its lifespan could be reduced dramatically depending on the environment. If you wish to display a Māori wood carving outdoors and protect it somewhat from the weather, you may want to consider sealing it with an exterior finish.
Yes. The weather will break down wood over time. But we also know that wood exposed to nature ages with beauty and character—just remember that its lifespan could be reduced dramatically depending on the environment you hang it.
