Te Riu O Raiatea: carved relief by Mohi Teepa

Date2007Reference NumberPhoto 21-1891Filename(s)160707-07pap lib.jpgDescriptionTe Riu O Raiatea, depicts Te Wai o te Tohora.

The name of this work, Te Riu O Raiatea, is referred to as “that place in our history, knowledge and our culture that is a constant reminder of the past, present and future.”

The carving depicts the legend of the Three Whales, a local Ngā Pōtiki legend. It is the journey of a mother whale and her calf becoming stranded in the Rangataua branch of the harbour from Maungatapu. They struggled over the mudflats of Rangataua, trying to find their way back to the open seas. They stopped at Karikari, and drank from the magic spring. They became fixed there. The father whale traveled the same journey and also drank from the spring and also became fixed there. So here we have Kopukairua, Maungamana and Hikurangi (the hills of Papamoa).

The outer edge reflects the scales of a fish that protects the physical form from its physical environment.

The clear area reflects space in time and the existence of sentient beings.

The second inner pattern reflects those schools of carving depicted by the hammerhead shark.

The third pattern inside reflects travel and navigation between the continents of the world. The portrayal through symbolism of different species of bird and marine life.

Commissioned by Friends of the Tauranga City Libraries

Unveiled 29 June 2007

The carved relief photographed in 2007 by Vision Media for Tauranga City Council.

The photographs captured Library Carvings in Pāpāmoa Library (this carving) and Mount Maunganui Library. FormatDigitalSource of AcquisitionVision Media Cd donated to TCLPhotographer/CreatorVision Media

Asset Location

RoomDigital storage

Usage

Kaitiakitanga StatementWe ask that, in addition to normal copyright and privacy considerations, users of our heritage resources uphold the mana and dignity of the people, communities and places depicted within.Cultural/Ethical StatusNoaRestrictionsNo cultural/ethical restrictions apply.CopyrightTauranga City LibraryLicenseCC BY 4.0AcknowledgementTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Photo 21-1891

Relates To

PlacesThe library at PāpāmoaPart of Photograph CollectionOther images

Admin

Original Metadata byHarley Couper

Exif

Exif Date17/07/2007 09:37:47

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Te Riu O Raiatea: carved relief by Mohi Teepa

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