The Strength of Polynesia

“The Strength of Polynesia”
One of one hand carved sculptural hook
 
The Strength of Polynesia is one of my most satisfying free standing pieces to date. Unlike my usual process, where I begin with a clear outline, this sculpture was created standing upright and worked backwards. I allowed the wood to lead the process, to speak, guide, and reveal what it was meant to become.
 
The title came to me as I was sitting with the piece in the living room. Light poured through the window and hit the face of the piece. In that moment, I felt that this form was not something I had come up with, but something shaped long before me and carried through generations. Through my own life experiences, hands, and story, I was simply able to uncover a glimpse of that history.
 
The fish hook has long been both a tool and a powerful symbol across many cultures, especially within Polynesia. It represents provision for the village, sacrifice, honoring those who paved the way before us, and guidance for those willing to step forward into the unknown.
 
The carved Māori design on the tip of the hook is a pattern that resembles the beak of the kākā bird. Another way to describe it is ngutu kākā, the lips of the kākā. In some ways, this pattern symbolizes one’s oratory abilities and the passing down of stories. In this sense, the pattern is placed at the tip of the hook with a similar intention. When the hook is used, the ika, the fish, is caught by the mouth and harvested to provide nourishment for the hunter and their families, allowing the stories to continue to be passed on.
 
This piece serves as a daily reminder of our commitment, to ourselves, to our families, and to stepping fully into who we were designed to become.
 
To the rightful owner of this piece, I hope it can become an heirloom, a taonga within your family for generations to come. Each time you see this piece in your home, may it serve as a personal symbol of your commitment to become, and to honor those who had the courage to lead the way.