John Collins Whaikairo Rakau hand carved and sculpted mask. Collins is a New Zealand master carver known for contemporary and traditional Māori-inspired wood sculptures, ceremonial adzes, and mask carvings. Whakairo rākau is the traditional Maori art of wood carving in New Zealand, serving as a sacred and vital medium for preserving genealogy, tribal history, and cultural identity
This is a stunning representation of Whaikairo Rakau by the artist. The design is based on the ancient art of Ta Moko facial tattoos, showing free hand carved surface patterns and contrasting cut away sections. Created from New Zealand Kauri wood, stained in two tones, and inlaid with Paua Shell.
The cut away section with a different carving behind the Moko show that "behind each person is a long line of others, sometimes known, often concealed. Everything comes from something older." Beautiful.
While unsigned, this is common of Collins work. The unique scalloped gouge marks across the entire back surface are a structural characteristic of how John Collins prepares the reverse of his large panel carvings. Comes with original card given at purchase and I have a copy of the receipt from the estates purchase.
Measures approximately 18" x 7 1/2" x 1/2"
Excellent condition, no damage. I noticed a fuzzy in black on the mask after posting pictures. It may appear as a crack so I added an additional photo of that area to show it is not. There is one very tiny spot at the upper left rim that may show a slight nick in stain.
10869-55
$5500.00
