Kaitiaki Taniwha
Kaupapa 03
Kaitiaki Taniwha
Kaitiaki taniwha is a Māori mythical creature that guards and protects over Iwi (Māori tribes), hapū (sub-tribes), taonga (treasures), tribal and sacred places within our natural environment. These Taniwha lived in caves, deep pools, rivers, harbours, lakes and the sea. They were seen as part of the natural environment taking the shape of sea animals, logs and some were considered shape shifters.
Papamahi Activity
Build up your creative art skills by following the Kaitiaki taniwha activities. You will explore colours of the taniwha to creating it’s shape and form. From 2D drawing to 3D sculpture these taniwha activities are designed for creative play, exploration, individual expression and personal upskilling in art making and art mediums.
Task 01: Blob Drawing
Students are to create a blob page by dripping and blowing coloured ink onto A3 watercolour paper.
Add patterns by using a straw to blow out water lines from the blobs or a BBQ skewer to create wobbly lines. Once you are happy with your blobs and lines set aside for 30mins to dry.
Once dry, students can find interesting shapes in their blob drawings to turn these into their creative Kaitiaki Taniwha using black sharpie to add eyes, teeth, scales. Consider the types of features a taniwha would have if they lived on the land, in the sky and the sea such as:
Fins, wings, tail, teeth, beak, spikes.
Note: Try to use a small amount of colour ink so the drying process doesn’t take too long.
Add patterns by using a straw to blow out water lines from the blobs or a BBQ skewer to create wobbly lines. Once you are happy with your blobs and lines set aside for 30mins to dry.
Once dry, students can find interesting shapes in their blob drawings to turn these into their creative Kaitiaki Taniwha using black sharpie to add eyes, teeth, scales. Consider the types of features a taniwha would have if they lived on the land, in the sky and the sea such as:
Fins, wings, tail, teeth, beak, spikes.
Note: Try to use a small amount of colour ink so the drying process doesn’t take too long.
Task 02: Kaitiaki Taniwha Drawing
Students are to create a drawing of their Kaitiaki Taniwha with a description of what it is and its special powers.
Make your drawing in 3 parts: Head, body and legs then draw extras like the scales, feathers, spikes and tail later.
Search for different pictures of animals from the land, sea and sky. Look carefully at their features and figure out to why they look like that or shaped that particular way.
Choose your favorite parts of each animal and create your own Kaitiaki Taniwha from your chosen animal inspirations!
Make your drawing in 3 parts: Head, body and legs then draw extras like the scales, feathers, spikes and tail later.
Search for different pictures of animals from the land, sea and sky. Look carefully at their features and figure out to why they look like that or shaped that particular way.
Choose your favorite parts of each animal and create your own Kaitiaki Taniwha from your chosen animal inspirations!
Task 03: Colourful Kaitiaki Taniwha
Students are to make an outline of their previous Taniwha drawing using black pen on the watercolour paper then use the water colour dyes to give your taniwha its true colours.
Choose your colours wisely as they may be helping your Taniwha to stay hidden in the place it lives in.
Choose your colours wisely as they may be helping your Taniwha to stay hidden in the place it lives in.
Task 4: Foam Clay Kaitiaki Taniwha
Students are to create a concept drawing of their final Kaitiaki Taniwha. Practice turning your concept drawing into a 3D model with foam clay to create a version of your wild and wonderful Kaitiaki Taniwha!
Carefully select the materials that you need to create your taniwha. Mould and shape the foam clay to form the main parts of your taniwha and pinch together before adding textures using the clay tools or BBQ skewers.
Note: Playdough or clay is also optional instead of the foam clay.
Carefully select the materials that you need to create your taniwha. Mould and shape the foam clay to form the main parts of your taniwha and pinch together before adding textures using the clay tools or BBQ skewers.
Note: Playdough or clay is also optional instead of the foam clay.
Task 5: 3D Funky Kaitiaki Taniwha
Students are to create their final Funky Kaitiaki Taniwha and make a 3D model using funky art materials, colour plastics, fairy lights, natural or recycled materials.
Take progress photos and a fun photo with your finished Kaitiaki Taniwha and upload it here!
Take progress photos and a fun photo with your finished Kaitiaki Taniwha and upload it here!
