Niho Whatu
Kaupapa 01
Niho Whatu
Niho Taniwha (teeth of the taniwha), is often presented as a series of triangles, used in Māori tukutuku panels, woven kete and carvings. Niho Taniwha is a symbol of guardianship, trust and protection. In some tribal areas niho taniwha is connected to the Tohorā (whale) and the Mako (shark) and were held in high regard as the deities of the sea. Rangatira (high born chiefs) wore niho as adornment to denote their chiefly lineage and status within a tribe.
Niho Whatu encourages class or school collaborations whereby individual works will be joined to fabricate the sculptural installation representing a kaitiaki taniwha. This taniwha installation will be made by multiple niho whatu in celebration of the multiple layers of culture, heritage, tangata whenua, kaitiakitanga and Te Taiao.
Niho Whatu encourages class or school collaborations whereby individual works will be joined to fabricate the sculptural installation representing a kaitiaki taniwha. This taniwha installation will be made by multiple niho whatu in celebration of the multiple layers of culture, heritage, tangata whenua, kaitiakitanga and Te Taiao.
Papamahi Activity
Design and whatu (weave) your Niho (tooth) that reflects your identity ‘Ko wai āhau’, your connection to the wai (water) and whenua (land). Express your understanding of a taniwha kaitiaki, their place of importance and protection within your natural environment - Te Taiao.
Task 01: Brainstorm
Get into groups of 2 to 4 students to brainstorm ideas and thoughts on paper about Taniwha. Create a discussion with the
students around Taniwha exploring questions such as:
What is a Taniwha?
Do you know of one?
Why do they exist?
Name or describe two taniwha that protect the people or places.
What are its superpowers, characteristics, form, skin and name?
students around Taniwha exploring questions such as:
What is a Taniwha?
Do you know of one?
Why do they exist?
Name or describe two taniwha that protect the people or places.
What are its superpowers, characteristics, form, skin and name?
Task 02: Concept Drawing
Choose 4 keywords from your brainstorm and write these keywords beneath the triangles template on the worksheet.
Using colour pens create 4 line drawing designs that narrate a story about you and your kaitiaki taniwha.
Eg. Your special tohu (symbol), family, river, mountain, sky, land. sea, forest, strength, protection, symbols of your environment.
Note: Draw 2-6 lines per triangle template keeping each design really simple. Draw straight lines, dot to dot on the templates to create linear patterns, parallel, vertical, horizontal, diagonal lines and shapes. Use 2-3 colours to represent ideas too.
Using colour pens create 4 line drawing designs that narrate a story about you and your kaitiaki taniwha.
Eg. Your special tohu (symbol), family, river, mountain, sky, land. sea, forest, strength, protection, symbols of your environment.
Note: Draw 2-6 lines per triangle template keeping each design really simple. Draw straight lines, dot to dot on the templates to create linear patterns, parallel, vertical, horizontal, diagonal lines and shapes. Use 2-3 colours to represent ideas too.
Task 03: Final Niho Whatu Design
Take all 4 designs and draw each design in a layered fashion onto your final Niho Whatu template. Write in your own words what your Niho Whatu represents, including the messages and ideas you are weaving into it. (Approx. 100-150 words).
Task 04: Whiri and Pono | Plaits and Knots
Practice some plaiting or braiding techniques using coloured aho (strings) to add unique patterns to your niho whatu design. Knots on a string can say many things like how old you are, how many people are in your family or even morse code. Add knots to your Niho Whatu to convey your message.
Task 05: Niho Whatu
Using your final Niho Whatu design showing your 4 layered string concepts, your choice of string colours and practiced
whiri and pona; compose all of the ideas and techniques to whatu (weave) your special Niho Whatu. A wooden frame will
be provided by ĀKAU. String options provided by teachers. With your papamahi packs ĀKAU has provided a special aho to weave through your niho. This is the aho whiri tangata, the connector thread, that will unify all niho whatu together. Use other colours or textures as desired.
Take a fun photo with your finished Niho Whatu and upload it here!
whiri and pona; compose all of the ideas and techniques to whatu (weave) your special Niho Whatu. A wooden frame will
be provided by ĀKAU. String options provided by teachers. With your papamahi packs ĀKAU has provided a special aho to weave through your niho. This is the aho whiri tangata, the connector thread, that will unify all niho whatu together. Use other colours or textures as desired.
Take a fun photo with your finished Niho Whatu and upload it here!
