RĀKAI Māori Art - Ta Moko / Kirituhi / NZ Pounamu / Jade

RĀKAI MISSION STATEMENT

RĀKAI: is an indigenous Māori art collective that celebrates traditional Māori ideals, values and principles applied through contemporary artistic interpretation and design.

RĀKAI: artists use traditional and composite materials (Pounamu - New Zealand Greenstone, Parāoa – Whale Bone, Bronze, Glass, and Resin) as well as traditional and contemporary tools (Pātukituki, Uhi – Traditional Maori Tattoo Implements, Tattoo Machines).

RĀKAI: combines the elements of Whakairo Rākau (Adornment of Wood), Whakairo Kiri (Adornment of Skin), Whakairo Kahu (Adornment of Garment), Whakairo Tangata (Adornment of Man) to showcase the highest forms of Maori artistic excellence whilst maintaining the integrity of each artistic strand.

‘Kia uhia koe nga rākai no ou tupuna ’
‘Drape yourself in the adornments of your ancestors’