Patu Bronze and Orange Glass Wahaika with a Pūkaiora (figure) on an Oak base

Patu Bronze-Coloured Glass with Pūkaiora & Koru Carving | Mike Cameron

This powerful work by Mike Cameron reinterprets the traditional patu through cast glass in rich bronze and orange hues. Sculpted with precision and presence, it draws on the form of the Māori short-handled weapon—used historically in close combat and revered as a symbol of strength and authority.

Carved into the surface is a Pūkaiora figure, embodying spiritual protection and ancestral presence. The warm amber-toned glass carries glowing depth, highlighting the flow of form and detail throughout the piece. These bold, fiery colours evoke energy, transformation, and the enduring vitality of whakapapa (lineage).

The patu is mounted on a solid wood base, oiled to reveal its natural grain and grounding tone. Its placement speaks to the balance between movement and stillness, tradition and reinterpretation.

Mike Cameron’s work merges meticulous craftsmanship with deep cultural respect, using rangahau (research) to inform every piece. Based in Whangārei, his contemporary interpretations of customary forms offer new ways to connect with the stories and strength of Aotearoa.

Dimensions

Wahahika Length - 430 x Height - 140mm x Width - 30mm

Oak Base Length - 480 x Height - 25mm x Width - 85mm