He Wāhine, He Tapu = The Sanctity of Women : an exhibition report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Māori Visual Arts at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand Article Swipe
This report contextualises the exhibition, He Wāhine, He Tapu. My research into puhi (chief’s \ndaughter) and mana wāhine (women of status), along with the methodology and practice which \nproduced this exhibition is discussed. The literature review covers the status of Puhi and other \nfemale leaders in traditional Māori society, in particular, the sacredness of the whare tangata (house \nof humankind, or womb), linking wāhine (Māori women) to the atua wāhine (goddesses) of Māori \ncreation stories. This body of work explores notions of tapu (sacred or restricted) and noa (normal or \nfree from restriction), identity, the complementary nature of the sexes in traditional society and the \nimpact of colonisation. The underpinning questions are; who is the puhi? What role did she play? \nWhat makes her special? And where is she today? \nThe review of artists examines the history of portraiture and early photography, particularly that of \nMāori, as well as links to contemporary artists working in this genre. \nI have used Manawa Kāi Tahu, a cultural, social, environmental and economical framework \nas a tool for the analytical component, grounding this practice in Māori philosophy, values and \ntikanga (protocol), and locating this work as culturally relevant within Te Ao Māori (the Māori world \nview). The six values are – Tohutanga (capability and development), Rangatiratanga (selfdetermination \nand upholding the integrity of others), Kaitiakitanga (stewardship and enhancing \nresources), Manaakitanga (hospitality, health and safety and wellbeing of self and others), and \nWhanaungatanga (kinship and communication). The exhibition is also positioned within He \nTātaitanga Kaupapa āhua toi; a Māori art continuum (Jahnke 2006), using the classes of customary, \nnon- customary and trans-customary art. How this body of work aligns with the categories of noncustomary \nand trans-customary is also discussed.
