Kaitiaki—Guardians

Kaitiaki is a Maori word meaning guardian and protector. Kaitiaki are powerful guardian spirits from the sky, the land, and the sea. Kaitiaki are personal to the owner and can be represented through adornment on amulets, masks, regalia and in designs on sacred objects for both the Maori and the Northwest Coast peoples.

“Kaitiaki—Guardians” features an impressive collection of wearable art: Nga Taonga (Treasures) in varied materials, augmented with new sculptural works in ceramics, wood, jade, and glass.

“Kaitiaki—Guardians” is the continuation of the creative energy towards Manawa—Pacific Heartbeat exhibition opening at the Spirit Wrestler Gallery on February 11th, 2006. All these inspired works were completed since the publication deadlines for the Manawa book or were displayed for the opening of the “Eternal Thread—Changing Art of Maori Weaving” touring museum exhibition in San Francisco in August 2005.