{"product_id":"whanau-ariki-blue-by-messini-palace","title":"Whānau Ariki - Royal Blue | by Messini Palace","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful whānau Ariki has been carefully handcrafted from resin by \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/store.aucklandmuseum.com\/collections\/messini-palace\" title=\"Messini Palace\"\u003eMessini Palace\u003c\/a\u003e - Ngāti Apakura, Ngātí Maniapoto, Ngāti Mahuta, Ngãti Hikairo, Ngāpuhi.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhanau Ariki are celestial beings, the stars, planets, meteors, Sun and Moon that light up the night sky Korowai of Sky Father, Ranginui Te Pō.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese Wheku (Ancestor) cubes are cast from what were originally whakairo rakau (wood carving) vintage salt and pepper shakers that were carved by the now defunct carving schools in Rotorua from around Mid Century -80s, for a predominantly tourist market.\u003cbr\u003eMessini has moulded out the holes that once allowed the food to be contained and poured, eliminating the element of ‘Tapu’ and creating an unrestricted state of ‘Noa’, or every day item.\u003cbr\u003eThrough modern mediums such as resin,  contemporary colour palettes and light play, these pieces have been given a new journey and space to be gifted or treasured as kaitiaki (protectors).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eMessini 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. \u003cbr\u003eOn 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessini'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).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMade in New Zealand\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Messini Palace","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44919153918143,"sku":"324659","price":69.57,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0355\/4193\/files\/WhanauAriki-BluebyMessiniPalace1.jpg?v=1768788109","url":"https:\/\/store.aucklandmuseum.com\/en-us\/products\/whanau-ariki-blue-by-messini-palace","provider":"Auckland Museum Online Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}