Images of Eyes Gallery I
Oil Portrait of "Ko Mauria" --
Oil Painting of "Ta Moko," the
Traditional Art of Maori Tattooing
by Peter Jean Caley of Aotearoa, New Zealand

Peter Jean Caley, a professional artist since 1988, describes himself as an inspirational realist.  He has loved painting since childhood; at the age of 2 he kept a book of Salvador Dali tucked under his pillow.  Inspired by his Father and Grandfather who both painted, at the age of 14 Peter painted an oil portrait that still hangs in the Family.  He became a professional artist in 1988.  He paints entirely freehand and enjoys the challenge of large scale works.

Caley has received enormous publicity and his paintings and prints are in collector's hands throughout the world.  His works are featured in many international exhibitions, collections, and museums, and the demand increases for both his original art work and printed media.  His art has always sold out and usually can be acquired only by order.

At Caley's website (link at bottom of page) you can see more of his paintings that depict Maori culture.  The website also includes his paintings of New Zealand native birds, landscapes, wildlife, and his paintings of America's Cup yachts and the Volvo International Sailing Races--the paintings that have made Peter Jean Caley an internationally-recognized artist.

"Ko Mauria" by Peter Caley
Image Copyright © by Peter Caley
Oil painting, 1998, 24x30

Mauria TeTauri Mokenna lived in Te Puke and was one of the last Maori wearing the traditional moko (tattoo) and belonged to the Tama TeKapua tribe.  Mauria is wearing her great grandfather's Hei Tiki (a manaia 'bird shaped) and wearing traditional feather cloak (Kahu Kereru).  

From Caley's website:  "Te Tauri Mokenna Henare - Iwi Tama TeKapua (Tribe) Born in the Bay of Plenty, Mauria spent most of her life in Te Puke near Tauranga (North Island, New Zealand) Aotearoa and died in 1972, but her strength and spirit live on.  Mauria's greatest wish was to have her portrait painted and to spread the word of unity and love to all--that all Maori unite and join hands in the world in harmony.  Mauria's guiding force of strength, love and a smile along with words of wisdom still emanate from her to support us in our daily lives.  We see her beautiful smile and feel its reassurance."

Mauria died in 1972 at a guessed age of between 111 and 121 years of age.  "Ko Mauria" was painted at the request of the family, and is Caley's signature painting.

"Ta Moko" by Peter Caley
Image Copyright © by Peter Caley
Oil painting, 2000, 30x24"

Moko was a highly skilled trade and the artists were treated with the utmost respect.  The application was performed with a light tapping.  Chisels were made from raupo or wood with blades of bone, Paua shell, sharks teeth and virtually anything that could be fashioned into a cutting tool.  Permanent dyes were made from burnt ash, plants, and a special worm.  It was protocol not to have any clothing and the tattooed person was fed with a stick (like a fork) for many weeks until the wounds healed. 

"Ta Moko" depicts the traditional art of Maori tattooing.  The whole event was always watched by the ancestors.  Moko (Tattoo) was a description of the person, ancestry, skills, tribe, and status.  The whole body was tattooed as the Maori never wore clothes in battle and it was a way of identifying the body should the head be lost during the fight.

Caley's website is http://www.caleyart.com/index2.html  
  Caley's email is info@caleyart.com  

Originally published Jun 21, 2001 
Republished Apr 21, 2008, with revised text

< < < Previous artist  --  Next artist > > >

Or select a country from alpha list below
AB     C     DEF     GH     I     JKL     MN     OPQR    ST     U     U.S.     VWXYZ

Home    Gallery I    Gallery II - Nudes     Site Search by Google    Site Map

www.imagesofeyes.com
Images of Eyes Gallery - Fine art, artwork, and paintings by international artists