Content Area:

Visual Arts / Te Ao Maori

Duration: 45 mins each
AO:
Preparation: Research the
meaning behind Maori
carvings and the different
symbols/patterns used. Create
own artwork as exemplar,
create powerpoint

Class/Group/Level: Yr 7/8

Date: 25/10 -

Attitudes/Values/Processes/Strands:
Resources: Art paper, pencil, indian ink, gouache paint or school paint, own devices w/ internet for
research, powerpoint, information sheet for different symbols/patterns

Key Competencies: Thinking, Managing Self, Relating to Others, Participating and Contributing, Using Language, symbols and text

Learning Outcomes:
(What will children achieve?)

Learning Intentions: Understand the meaning of Maori carvings to

create visual art

Learning Experiences:
FIRST SESSION 25/10/16
Diagnostic Q: what knowledge do we have at the moment about Maori
carving? Write suggestions on whiteboard

Introduce the art of Maori carving Te Toi Whakairo and the purpose
behind Maori carvings: why they came about, what they represent,
different types (wood, greenstone, bone, moko).

Assessment Procedures:
(How will you tell if the
learning outcomes have
been achieved?)
Success Criteria:
(How will children know
they have met the Learning
Intentions?)

Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings

Ask, who knows where this is? Does anyone know the meaning behind this
carving?
Show them the video

Explain that Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell was using the artform of

Maori carving to pass on information about Ngatoroirangi (navigator who
guided tribes to Taupo). This was a predominant way the Maori
communicated ideas and history as they had no written language.

The moko of Ngatoroirangi also conveys valuable information about him

as a person situated in the Maori world. Mokos displayed information
about a persons rank, marital status, accomplishments, social rank etc.

Maori Carvings
Discuss the elements that go into Maori carvings - nature-focused, gods
and mythology, often a combination of different myths/gods
Each carving has a very special meaning or story behind its design
Maori carvings become sacred objects, Taonga, as the object is passed
down from ancestor to ancestor, taking on each persons spirit as it is
passed through family/tribes.

Eden Park Carvings Video

Each carving showcased history and information about four different Maori

gods.
Each god symbolised a different idea/concept applicable to Eden Park
The meaning of arving for the carver and his iwi/whanau
The purpose of these carvings - each Maori carving serves a purpose

Maori Symbols and Their Meanings

Run through the different symbols and surface patterns that Maori use and
the meanings behind them

Te Moko
Discuss Maori tradition of Moko and what it means to Maori
Symbol of rank, social status, power and prestige

CREATING ARTWORK
Explain that we are going to use our knowledge of Maori carvings, symbols
and patterns to create our own visual art.
Talk about the work of Brett Keno and how he incorporates Maori carving
patterns and symbols into his work to represent and symbolise different
aspects of Maori culture and history.
Show the website to showcase his design sequence - the sketchup before
he carves
Explain that we are focusing on this sketchup/design part of the process
(cannot actually carve anything but we can design as if we are creating a

meaningful Maori carving)

Go over SUCCESS CRITERIA - the aspects we need to be including in our

designs

Steps:
Draft a concept design
Transfer finished design onto good quality art paper
Go over outlines with indian ink
Paint the patterns using traditional Maori colours (maybe)

Assessment of childrens learning

Evaluation:
First Lesson
This lesson was very chaotic. Sam had hoards of children coming in and out of her classroom because of a timetabling issue that Sam had
to sort out. This meant that there were a lot of distractions and the noise level was difficult to sort out. We also ran out of time because
the beginning of the lesson was so chaotic and I had to sort out some issues before Sam arrived. This meant that the students did not get
a chance to actually begin carving and I felt that there a was a bit of disappointment because of this.

I was also not very confident the more I taught this lesson. I felt out of my comfort zone and I wasnt sure on how to pronounce some of
the harder, more complex Maori names. I need to re-assess what I feel and dont feel confident about and brush up on my knowledge so
that I feel more confident. I also felt that I was talking to the students too much and there was not enough interaction/discussion. This

whole lesson generally just felt off!