Thus His Waka Became Land

Original painting SOLD, oil on canvas, 570 x 1800mm, 2007

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 Print sizes and editions (limited to 275)

• Regular museum archival paper print - 174 x 550mm

Your unique limited edition fine art print

1. Sofia Minson creates your exclusive signed print
2. We ship for $25 in NZ and from $50 internationally
3. Your artwork arrives rolled, ready to be framed - do you need help? Request framing guidance
   
   

The story of Thus His Waka Became Land

"Thus His Waka Became Land" portrays a mythical scene of metamorphosis inspired by the story of Maui, a demi-god who came from Hawaiiki, which was the legendary homeland of the Maori.

One day when Maui and his brothers went fishing far out into the ocean he dropped his magic fishhook over the side of the waka (canoe). He felt a strong tug on the line and after much straining and chanting of karakia (incantations), there surfaced Te Ika a Maui (the fish of Maui), known today as the North Island of New Zealand. "Thus His Waka Became Land" refers to the next stage in the legend. Maui's waka Nukutaimemeha subsequently transformed into the South Island of New Zealand, which to this day many call Te Waka a Maui (the canoe of Maui). The painting shows Kōtuku (white herons) taking flight from the waka. These graceful birds are traditionally a symbol of good fortune and mark the arrival of a rare and sacred visitor. Native toi toi and ponga sprout forth from the vessel, alluding to the land and therefore the life created by Maui's great discovery.

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