Rehua - Matte Black

- Messini Palace

Each Rehua has been constructed as a ceramic casting the original carving and then has 4 coats of paint applied and then having paua inlay eyes inserted. Each piece is completely made by hand and the process takes up to 5 days to complete, making every one unique.

Messini's pieces are about a merging of traditional Toi Maori, in particular whakairo rakau (wood carving) with contemporary mediums such as resin and cast stone and an engaging colour pallet. She uses vintage carving as well as one recently commissioned by Master Carver Michael Matchitt (Wheku Tahi) and carves her own smaller pieces, creating a new journey.

Rehua is a sacred Atua (God), the first son of Rangi and Papa (sky father-earth mother). He lives in the 10th and highest heavens and can heal human afflictions and disease. According to different iwi, he can be identified by certain stars.

Dimensions:
Width - 195mm x Height - 295mm