Whānau Ariki

Whānau Ariki | Messini Palace

Whānau Ariki are celestial beings, the stars, planets, meteors, Sun and Moon that light up the night sky.

These Wheku (Ancestor) cubes are cast from what were originally whakairo rakau (wood carvings) vintage salt and pepper shakers that were carved by the now defunct carving schools in Rotorua from around Mid Century -70s, for a predominately tourist market.

Messini has moulded out the holes that once allowed the food (pepper) to be contained and poured, eliminating the element of 'Tapu' and creating an unrestricted state of 'Noa' or every day item.

Through 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).

Every Whanau Ariki Cube is individually handmade from the mould, to casting and hand colouring to finishing, making each piece subtly unique.

Sold separately

Dimensions:
Width - 35mm x Height - 40mm x Depth - 30mm