Hōmai ō taringa kia ngaua e au : give me your ears so I may chew on them : an exhibition report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Māori Visual Arts at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

This exhibition report navigates the connection to tīpuna through the customary practice of skinning manu. Skinning and pelting manu is a mana enhancing process that connects me to mātauranga held in my whakapapa. I follow in Tāne’s footsteps in search of ngā kete o te wānanga. Te Kete Aronui, Te Kete Tuauri, and Te Kete Tuatea. The knowledge inside these kete, the knowledge of the skinning process, is told through taonga tuku iho. Each taonga depicts a step in the process, and when worn, is able to communicate that process to the wearers. They speak, in the voices of aunties, nannies, and tīpuna. Connecting me through time, space, and death to my nan, who did this process before me.