Ipu I about
1990
by Wi Te Tau Pirika Taepa (born 1946), Te Arawa/Ngati Pikiao/Te
Ati Awa
earthenware, grog clay
On loan from the artist
Innovation from tradition
The inspiration for these pieces is the gourd ipu (container)
used for storage. The decorations evolved from Wi Taepa’s
experiments with early Polynesian and Maori patterns.
On Ipu I, Wi combines four parallel lines in
a Polynesian style with elements of Maori design - dog’s
tooth notches and a woven pattern which suggests a kete (basket).
|
