Rimu Wall Art with Coloured Kowhaiwhai Rafter Design

Rimu Wall Art with Coloured Kowhaiwhai Rafter Design 

This gorgeous coloured wall art depicts a beautiful contemporary Maori kowhaiwhai rafter pattern with fish scale design. 

About Kowhaiwhai
This term is used to describe an artform typically used by Maori to adorn the rafters (heke) of their meeting house’s (wharenui). The designs generally comprise repetitive symmetrical patterns and are predominantly based on the shape of the unfurling fern frond (koru). Kowhaiwhai were traditionally painted using three colours: red, white and black. Red represented warmth, blood and life, white represented purity and hope for the future and black represented the earth.

The patterns varied tribally and thus regionally throughout New Zealand (Aotearoa). The patterns are often ascribed meanings based on the shape they emulate, e.g. shark fin means to fight with power and strength, fish scale means to protect or shield, canoe (waka) cutting waves means, resolve, strength of purpose.

Made in New Zealand 

Measurements: 
Width: 170mm (6.69 inches), Length: 300mm (11.81 inches) and Depth: 8mm (0.31 inches) approximately. 

Crafted from New Zealand Rimu veneerboard.