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Summary

The mysticism surrounding kowhaiwhai and its place in Māori art is not a mystery at all but seems it was hidden in plain sight. Although it could be said kowhaiwhai has not enjoyed to the same degree the popularity seen in Māori carving and Tā moko it maintains its presence in its own and unique way.

This presence reflects the silent and hidden nature of an art form that represents an energy or extraordinary intellegence cosmic by nature and touches everything in the universe. This energy has been studied and interpreted, redefined and then misinterpreted, personified and personalised, idolised and given many names, but nothing has come close to understanding the essence.

Science has revealed a glimpse of this extraordinary power and in time will unravel many of its secrets but perhaps to the detriment of humanity. The source will allways be hidden because it is not for mankind to know. It is the essence of all life on this planet depicted by the ancient Māori in Tā Moko, Māori carving and as simple abstract curves and lines known as kowhaiwhai.

Tiki O’Brien