Story: Otago places

Māori rock art

Māori rock art

These striking red figures in a rock shelter at Takiroa, near Duntroon, are probably several hundred years old. The paintings may represent people and a taniwha (water spirit). The limestone provided an ideal surface for painting with red ochre and bird fat.

Using this item

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Janine Faulknor

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Malcolm McKinnon, 'Otago places - North Otago', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/22741/maori-rock-art (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Malcolm McKinnon, updated 1 Jul 2015