Heather Dodds
"New Zealand Home"
 (Photo by Tom Caroll) |
 (Photo by Tom Caroll) |
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(Photo by Charles Fyer) |
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I am a New Zealander and have endeavored to recreate the myths and mythology that are part of my culture.
The Maori people have woven wonderful stories, art, and crafts into their way of life, passing these on to the next generation.
My interpretation of these and the memories of the surroundings that I grew up with are depicted on the front painted silk panel, carrying on over the shoulder to a large tiki. This is a fertility symbol. The red inverted pleat, which runs down the center of the back, is painted with symbols of birds, houses, plants and carvings
The front is fastened with a bonefish hook (carved by my husband). The body of the mantle is Italian wool and silk lined with red Thai crushed silk.