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Figure 8: Maxwell H. (2010). Five mokomokai-inspired artefacts on whariki.
Damp clay moulds in the final stages of the drying process. When dried they were bisque-fired at a temperature of 1000 F. Left to
right: [1] 15.24cm x 13.97cm, [2] 15.24cm x 20.32cm, [3] 10.6cm x 12.7cm, [4] 12.7cm x 21.59cm and [5] 13.97cm x 13.97cm.
At different intervals of the drying process when each mokomokai-inspired artefact was still slightly
damp, they were individually marked with moko patterns that were generic and specific to Ngapuhi.
Newspaper was also used to absorb excess moisture in the clay. The intentional roughness of this work
alludes to the comments of the 1800‟s that such displays of mokomokai were “hideous and monstrous
spectacles”.
Figure 9: Maxwell H. (2010) Mokomokai-inspired artefact. 10.6cm x 12.7cm.
Bisque fired and covered with kokowai. My hair was used to dress and decorate the artefact. The mokomokai-inspired artefact was
displayed at W.H. Reed Park, on the Whareora Land Block.
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