Tihi o Te Aroha King
Ngaapuhi Ngaati Kahu, Ngaa Hau e wha
Engari I ki a toku mama no ngaa topito katoa o tenei whenua ahau.
Ara no Aotearoa Ahau ne. Toru tekau ma rima oku Tau.
He kai hanga kakahu ahau, me he wahine mahi toi ahau. Tino kai nga kau ahau ki to matou reo, me te tino mana ki roto I to matou Maaoritanga.
Ka mau ahau I to matou maaoritanga ki roto I te katoa o toku mahi.
Kei te nohi ahau ki Kirikiriroa.
Tihi met designer Jeanine Clarkin as a young woman eager to model clothes that were kaupapa Maaori inspired. Her first show was at the Auckland Library when Tihi was just twelve. Her modelling career took off when at eighteen years of age she won the Miss NZ Asia Pacific Model of the World 2005 Award. After international success on the catwalk, Tihi was inspired to create her own clothes and accessories. She followed Jeanine’s example by studying fashion design and pattern making.
What would you wear and take with you to go and save the world?
Garment wool and satin, harakeke, wood, hue, paua, found objects
Full garment and accessories showing staff (rakau and Harakeke)
Crown and face veil
Back view of harakeke Karakia crown
Detail Muka spiritual face veil
Hui Handbag
Purerehua kete with purerehua inside
Hue Puruhau small
Putatara
This wearable and playable ensemble is in the essence of our beautiful atua Hine Pu-te-hue. This atua goddess was extremely brave and very fierce. She is a pivotal part of the Matariki creation story. Hine Pu Te Hue faced the biggest adversity anyone could have ever faced, however she never gave up. She breathed it all in, and when she breathed out, she exhaled the sweetest most beautiful melody anyone had ever heard. This is how she turned negativity into joy, love and peace.
I have made her these pieces which connect her to her whaanau of taonga puoro (customary musical instruments) and to other atua/gods. Her crown is a receptor for karakia and connects to Tangaroa, and Tanemahuta.
Her Hikoi Rakau, enables her to be connected to Papatuuaanuku at all times. She can evoke the energies of these atua where-ever she walks.
A Hue handbag can be used for cleansing and healing, among other things.
Two Hue Puruhau, capturing breath for reconnecting to our tupuna.
A Putatara which can call to your ancestors for healing purposes and many other uses;
Two Purerehua that sing with Tanemahuta for protection.
Hine pu Te Hue our Maaori goddess of peace, a hero to be celebrated, a role model of strength and a true hero in my eyes.
PRICING Clothing and accessories
- Kimono korowai, free size $ 465.00
- Maro Off the shoulder dress, size 12$ 403.50
- Karakia Crown $ 1,345.00
- Muka spiritual veil $ 403.50
- Deconstructed piupiu belt $ 403.50
- Hui Handbag$ 471.00
- Hikoi rakau Staff $ 471.00
For sales enquiries, please contact the artist directly: tihiking@yahoo.co.nz
