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Maori Wood Carving
Early Maori Wood Carving
Early Maori Wood Carving shows stylistic affinities with works from eastern Polynesia, where the ancestors of the Maori originated from. Examples of ancient Maori wood carvings are rare, however a number of them have survived due to the practice of hiding valuable carvings by immersing them in swamps during times of unrest. The waterlogged environment has subsequently managed to preserve the wood of the carvings.
Preparing Wood for Carving
Seasoning Timber
As a tree grows it sends moisture up to the leaves and branches in the form of sap. If the wood dries out unevenly, it may result in cracks or shakes.
Seasoning is required to even out the drying of the wood. Generally the best method is to paint the ends of the wood to slow moisture loss through the ends, and bore a hole through the center of the log, to speed up the internal drying of the log. Seasoning will generally take at least a year.