Ka Mua Ka Muri #433

Ukulele No. 433
Ka Mua Ka Muri
Walking backwards into the future.
 
This piece is a little different, so I want to walk you through it.
 
Usually when I design an ukulele, I have a clear story in mind. This time I let it flow. I trusted the process and allowed the instrument to guide the direction.
Ukulele number 433 is a Kanileʻa acacia tenor ukulele with a pickup. It has a beautiful balance and a rich, full sound. From the beginning, it felt like a piece that needed space to become what it was meant to be.
 
The patterns used in this design are inspired by my Māori heritage. They represent new life, growth, and the movement of water. The design blends pūhoro and koru patterns, capturing both momentum and the continuous cycle of transformation.
 
After finishing the main pattern work, I placed three flowers at the center of the design. In that moment, they came to represent the past, the present, and the future. The number three holds deep significance, and it reminded me of the whakataukī Ka Mua Ka Muri.
Walking backwards into the future.
 
It speaks to the idea that we move forward by staying connected to where we come from, guided by our ancestors and the stories that shaped us.
 
Made with intention.
Made with story.
Made to carry the past forward.