Story: Moriori

Tree carving

Tree carving

Moriori ancestors made carved images on the trunks of kopi (karaka) trees. Many of these carvings, or dendroglyphs, survive today. They have powerful spiritual associations, although their meanings are debated.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Kathleen Joan Silcock Collection (PAColl-1964)
Reference: PAColl-1964-27

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Denise Davis and Māui Solomon, 'Moriori - Origins of the Moriori people', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/1680/tree-carving (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Denise Davis and Māui Solomon, published 8 Feb 2005, updated 1 Mar 2017