Maka te Kupenga - Rimu

 Maka te Kupenga - Rimu  | Shannon Turuwhenua

A sophisticated expression of heritage and craftsmanship, this sculptural work by Shannon Turuwhenua is carved from native rimu.

The title, Maka te Kupenga (to cast the net), refers to the traditional methods of gathering and the sustenance provided by the sea, serving as a powerful metaphor for the collection of knowledge and the strength of community.

The piece features a sweeping, curved form that echoes the silhouette of a net being cast into the tide. This organic shape is punctuated by a series of precise, hand-lashed perforations along the upper edge, creating a rhythmic interplay between the warm, figured grain of the timber and the structural black cord.

Masterfully finished to highlight the unique character of the rimu, this original work is a modern tribute to the ancestral technologies of Aotearoa.

It stands as a testament to the balance of utility and beauty, perfect for a space that values deep cultural narrative and refined New Zealand artistry.