LITTLE-KNOWN MAORI ROCK ART

A SAD STORY

Maori carving (of wood, jade, bone) is featured in museums worldwide. Maori rock art is little known even in New Zealand. Yet such art, executed before and after European colonisation, occurs extensively in both the North and South Islands. Some is stylistically sophisticated.

The subjects range from representations of humans and birds - including the extinct giant moa - to stylised war canoes. Techniques include drawing, painting, incising and bas relief. The art is commonly in limestone shelters. Some is in coastal caves. A remote island has dendroglyphs.

Apart from speculation that some was done at seasonal campsites by small groups hunting moas for winter food stores, or journeying across the Southern Alps to obtain jade, little is known about the early art's cultural role. Some of the later, North Island, art was probably used in tapu rituals; some may possibly have involved priestly divination.

Sadly, for reasons that include inaccessibility, lack of public awareness, and Maori exclusiveness, the comprehensive recording of the art has been lacking until recent decades. Many rock shelters are in areas now farmed, and sheep and cattle have rubbed some art away. Weathering, sunlight, vandalism, and road and dam building have badly damaged or destroyed other examples.

Belated fencing is helping on some sites. But art kept virtually secret has attracted little funding for expert recording or conservation, while the most accessible sites are overwhelmed by visitors, including school parties. Some lessons are suggested.