You aren't signed in Sign In 1-888-669-8813 Contact Us About Us

About Us
Contact Us
Artist Index
More Search Options

Currencies

All orders are billed in Canadian Dollars. Exchange rates are approximate and Rate of the Day will apply.

View Detail Photo

8. Tutarakauika • Guardian Whale

Artist: Todd Couper

Medium: matai
Size: 11 x 67 x 2.5 inches
Ref: K30605
All measurements Height x Width x Depth

SOLD

This whale tail form represents the guardian whale, Tutarakauika. The story tells of Tutarakauika, as being a taniwha (spiritual being) in the form of a whale, who accompanied the Takitimu canoe on its voyage to Aotearoa. The tohunga (high priest) of the Takitimu canoe was Ruawharo. Once he settled at Te Mahia peninsula, he planted a mauri (life force) for the whales and fish of the sea. As the population of whales increased at Mahia, Ruawharo decided to send one of his whales, Tutarakauika, to act as a guardian for the chiefs of the Wairoa district. On occasions when canoes at sea were capsized by storms, this kaitiaki (guardian) is said to have taken them back to shore.

Viewing: 8 of 86


Previous		Next

Todd Couper

(1974- )
Māori

Ngāti Kahungunu

Todd attended Te Aute Boys College in Hawkes Bay from 1987 to 1991 and quickly excelled in art. In 1995, he completed the Diploma of Art, Craft and Māori Design at Waiariki Institute of Technology in Rotorua; he majored in woodcarving/sculpture and graduated with honours. It was during this time that he met Roi Toia, who was teaching there. Roi, impressed with his talent, invited Todd to apprentice with him. They continue to work together, but Todd has forged his own style and direction in carving, with commissioned pieces residing in collections in the United States, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands. He participated in "Kiwa-Pacific Connections" (2003) in Vancouver, Canada.

—excerpt from Manawa—Pacific Heartbeat

Kahui Whetu: Contemporary Māori Art, A Carver's Perspective written by Roi Toia and Todd Couper.