Before I started the course at Heriot Watt i decidedI would take a year out from all the hard work of life and see the world a little bit! So i went to New Zealand. Having secured my place at university i was free to go till 2010! I took full advantage of being in a different culture. The history of the native Māori people was great and well shown in the museums of NZ. I spent many hours in the Museum of Auckland looking at the great craftsmanship these people had and still practice in there culture. The carvings are very intricate, the tattoos telling a story beautiful joining together and the traditional clothing was made with fine care and knowledge of weaving and beading. Although the Traditional clothing was not made form fine materials like silks of fine threads, the skill to make them must have been great! The straws, leafs and other materials all had a relevant link to there culture, respect for the land.
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| One of the many drawings i made form Auckland Museum, not very finished but i like it none the less. I hope one day i can visit New Zealand again! To many things to do just for the one visit to that country! |
