Nehe | by Messini Palace

This beautiful cast stone Nehe has been carefully handcrafted by Messini Palace - Ngāti Apakura, Ngātí Maniapoto, Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Hikairo, Ngāpuhi.
Messini's distinctive work centres on repatriating vintage whakairo rākau  (wood carvings) from the 1950s-1990s that were dispersed globally. By recasting these pieces in vibrant contemporary colours she creates a visual bridge between traditional forms and modern urban contexts.

Messini is an experimental artist and designer of Māori and Pākehā descent. Her focus is on transforming traditional forms through innovative resin and plaster casting techniques working from her Auckland based studio. 
On her return to Aotearoa in 2017, after spending two decades abroad, a profound journey of reconnection with her taha Māori began. Her artistic practice has become instrumental in her reclamation as a wahine Māori. Her whakapapa (gegealogy) stands as her greatest influence, with many pieces representing significant tūpuna and kaitiaki (ancestors and guardians) that speak to her cultural heritage. 

Messini's distinctive work centres on repatriating vintage whakairo rākau  (wood carvings) from the 1950s-1990s that were dispersed globally. By recasting these pieces in vibrant contemporary colours she creates a visual bridge between traditional forms and modern urban contexts. This approach extends to her reinterpretation of souvenir pieces, such as the Hei-Tiki, a deliberate counter-critique of tourist trinkets that reclaims the narrative of taonga tuku iho (treasures handed down).

Each meticulously handcrafted mould captures the original carver's marks, preserving the whakapapa and mana of the source material. The translucent resin illuminates intricate carved details, while stone casts emphasise the sculptural elements, creating pieces with a luminous, otherworldly presence. Messini collaborates with master carvers, including Michael Matchitt, creating contemporary interpretations that honour traditional Māori artistry while re-imagining these forms for modern spaces. Her pieces invite new experiences while maintaining their cultural integrity. This artistic practice parallels her personal journey of cultural reconnection - each piece serving as a tangible connection between past and present, tradition and innovation.

Made in New Zealand