Tupuānuku is the star connected to food that is harvested from the ground. “Tupu” means “to grow” and “nuku” is a shortened version of Papatūānuku (Mother Earth). Akapita drew inspiration for this design from the unfurling frond of New Zealand's pikopiko fern. He carved nine fronds to symbolise the nine stars of Matariki. Tupuānuku means to grow in the earth.
This piece is part of our Matariki Collection and will be on exhibit in our Rotorua studio until 3rd July 2022. You can reserve (pre-purchase) this limited-edition carving online, and it will be shipped to you as soon as the exhibition is finished. Included, is the original framed artwork, signed by Akapita Scally. The photo frame is (23cm h x 18cm w).
This piece was designed by Akapita Scally, and crafted from New Zealand pounamu.