Te Ika a Rūaumoko
"The Fish Of Rūaumoko"
is a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Māori Wahaika, carved from ancient volcanic mataī
This Wahaika carries the memory and scars of fire. Named for Rūaumoko, the unborn child of Papatūānuku and Ranginui. He is known in Maori cosmology as Atua/God of earthquakes, volcanoes and the changing seasons. Rūaumoko remains within the body of Papatūānuku, his movements felt as tremor and eruption. He is not only a destructive force, but a necessary transformation and a reminder that land is never still.
The mataī was unearthed from swamp land within the Taupō volcanic region. Numerous trees lay aligned in one direction, With a charred side facing upward, evident of a violent and transformative event. Such patterns are widely associated with the great Taupō eruption, though the timber itself carries no formal dating. The tree likely laid buried in swamp for centuries, preserved beneath water and ash. I have shaped this piece to let the material tell its own story, leaving the char, as a reminder of its journey and what its been through.
Timber - Mataī
Display Stand - Charred Pine
Taura - Black Cotton Cord
Finished with Danish oil
Overall Dimensions (L x H x D) - 350mm x 140mm x 80mm
Date: 7-OCT-2025
Artist - Jo Waititi
Pickup currently not available
CARE & MAINTENANCE
This taonga has been handcrafted from natural timber. Like all living materials, wood responds to its environment and may subtly change over time.
To keep your taonga looking its best:
- Keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight.
- Avoid exposure to excessive moisture, heat, or rapid temperature changes.
- Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth.
Small marks, colour changes, and the development of character over time are part of the natural journey of the wood and add to the unique story of your taonga.
Treat it with care, and it will continue to carry its story for generations to come
SHIPPING & RETURNS
Ready-Made Items
- Please allow up to 1–2 weeks for your order to be processed and dispatched.
- Once dispatched, you will receive tracking details where applicable.
Custom Orders
- Custom commissions require a minimum of 3 weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the piece and current workload.
- An estimated completion timeframe will be provided when your order is confirmed.
While every effort is made to meet estimated timeframes, delays may occasionally occur due to material availability, commission complexity, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Returns & Exchanges
Due to the handcrafted nature of my work, all sales are considered final. However, if your item arrives damaged or there is an issue with your order, please contact me within 7 days of receiving it so we can work towards a solution.
Custom-made commissions cannot be returned or refunded unless they arrive damaged or there is a fault in workmanship.
Please note:
- Natural variations in timber grain, colour, figure, and character are not considered defects.
- Small imperfections are part of the uniqueness of handcrafted wooden taonga.
If a return is approved, the item must be returned in its original condition before a refund or replacement can be processed.
If you have any questions about your order, feel free to get in touch before purchasing.