30. Tunaroa
The Progenitor of Eels

This piece symbolizes the nature of the slaying of Tunaroa (the progenitor of eels) by Maui, whose oral traditions have become key foundational reference points throughout Māori and Pacific cultures. This particular tradition lays out a blueprint for the harvesting of eels and other forms of fish life. This employs particular methods in the utilizing of specific materials to manufacture weaved baskets and to construct eel weirs. The overall shape of this sculpture relates to the shape of these weaved baskets, or Hinaki in which eels were caught. Tunaroa is the central figure while symbols of other forms of fish adorn the back side.

Hemi Sundgren