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White stoneware was used for further experimentation with the second group of mokomokai-inspired
artefacts and my face was the mould. The reason for using my own face was to instil my individuality
into these specific works and to prompt memory and demonstration of the final moments of affection
shown to a deceased whanau member prior to the coffin being closed. Visually and tactilely, thin
Bisque fired stoneware has the same cold, taut and firm texture as the facial features of a deceased
person. I did not want to glaze these works because it would alter their organic characteristic and
nature too drastically. The red flax dye used by weavers seemed more appropriate, to replace the
smothering of kokowai on the five final mokomokai-inspired artefacts. The continued application of
kokowai infringed its use as an endangered, tapu and ceremonial resource.
Figure 16: Maxwell. H (2011). Mokomokai-inspired artefacts. 15.24cm x 15.24cm.
The white stoneware was deliberately manipulated to exhibit a crudely executed and distorted facial identity. After it was bisque fired a
covering of red flax dye was applied. By the end of the mokomokai trade the high quality and workmanship of mokomokai had ceased.
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