Story summary
Introduction
Aotearoa (New Zealand) has a rich heritage of Māori rock art, including designs that are unique to this country. The rock-art styles introduced to Aotearoa by the first Polynesians were gradually modified into regional variations.
The art was mostly painted, or sometimes drawn. Other works were carved, cut, scraped or chipped from rock.
About 90% of currently recorded rock art is in the South Island, but there are probably undiscovered sites in both the North and South islands.
Designs
Māori rock art often shows everyday subjects such as people, birds, dogs and waka (canoes). Some less-recognisable figures may be taniwha or other spiritual beings. Geometric designs are common, too.
The subjects and designs of Māori rock art are closely related to those used in tā moko (tattooing), whakairo (carvings) and kōwhaiwhai (rafter patterns).
Pigments
Iron oxide deposits were plentiful and were mixed with other substances to form kōkōwai (a red paint). To make black paint, soot was mixed with oil and other ingredients. Yellow, white and blue pigments could be made from clay deposits and other minerals. Blue rock art has been reported, but not recorded in the field.
European response
For a long time Māori rock art was not widely known compared with other Māori art forms such as carving and weaving. Little effort was made to record or preserve the works – some were even vandalised.
However, in 1945 the artist Theo Schoon began recording some South Island drawings. Then, from the mid-1960s, archaeologists conducted rigorous scientific studies of Māori rock art, and more sites were placed under permanent state protection.
In the 21st century Māori rock art is regarded as a priceless relic of New Zealand’s prehistory.
