Waitomo artisan Daniel Ormsby, pictured left, coaching at the bone carving symposium held in the Mokau Hall over the Easter Weekend. PHOTO SUPPLIED
The Firstgas Mōkau Bone Carving symposium held in the Mōkau Hall during the Easter weekend drew 55 carvers and more than 300 visitors.
“Record numbers of carvers and visitors entered the hall to participate in the most dynamic and creative symposium we have held so far,” organiser Mike Brown said.
“And the Mōkau Markets provided a double act, which added to the buzz [in the village].
“It was great to see so many visitors from the Waitomo District make the day trip to be part of it.”
Mike said visitors were treated to an outstanding display of carvings, many of which were for sale, with lots of people taking the opportunity to purchase taonga from their favourite artists.
“Maniaroa Marae embraced the event, formally welcoming the carvers and accommodating many of them at the marae. And having a pōwhiri to welcome the carvers was a highlight of the symposium.
“The warmth of the welcome, the power of the carvings in the wharenui, and the spiritual depth of our hosts was the ideal foundation for the symposium.
“Right from the beginning we were reminded that carvings can have a ‘life force’ and can make us stronger as people.”
Mike said a positive outcome had been the establishment of regional carving groups in different parts of the country. These would enable people to gather for one-day carving sessions several times a year to maintain momentum between symposia.
“The first of these carving days in the King Country is in the planning. This will be a great opportunity for people to begin bone carving as a hobby, with gear and teaching being provided for beginners.”
Waitomo Mayor John Robertson said the symposium had become a signature event for Mōkau.
“It’s great to see it has become the sort of the national event for bone carving now, with visitors from Christchurch and Wellington who really enjoy the day,” John said.
“Being hosted in this west coast community feels just right, and in my view, Mike Brown deserves congratulations as the key organiser.”
John said Mōkau Hall was packed with visitors able to closely observe artisans at work. Meanwhile, up on the stage, learners who were not so many years into the craft were getting help from more experienced carvers.
“It was fascinating and there was something to interest everyone.”
