This companion volume to Roger Neich’s Painted Histories is now published in paperback for the first time. Carved Histories is the classic account of one of the most influential traditions of Maori wood carving in New Zealand. It pieces together the history of Ngati Tarawhai carving from pre-European times to the present day and analyses the personalities, families, and social changes that shaped the work. Carved Histories includes biographies of key carvers, a list of all known Ngati Tarawhai carvings, maps and genealogies as well as black and white and colour illustrations.

“Carved Histories is a book I recommend to anyone interested in Maori, Pacific or indigenous art; to anyone intrigued or excited by art theory; to anyone who has ever admired the rampant beauty of Te Puawai o Te Arawa, or considered the edged intricacies of a carved walking staff. To anyone who wonders about being Maori, being pakeha, being kiwi – being here; this is another perspective for you, and it is a significant one.” – Ngahuia Te Awekotuku, author of Mau Moko: The World of Maori Tattoo.

Author Information

Roger Neich is Curator of Ethnology at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and Professor of Anthropology at the  University of Auckland.

He has published widely on traditional Maori and Pacific art and is the author of Painted Histories Pacific Tapa Pacific Jewellery and Adornment and other books.