Wooden Blocks - Set of 13 (3 x Taonga, 4 x Kowhaiwhai Patterns, 6 x Native Birds) - Block Size: 4.5cm x 12cm
Taonga images include Poupou, Taniwha & Tiki, the Kowhaiwhai Patterns include Mango Pare (Hammerhead Shark), Ngutu Kura (Whale, Tohora, South Right Whale), Ngutu Kara (Parrot's Beak, taken from our native bird), The Kaka Bird, Patiki (Flounder Fish) and the native birds include the Tui, Piwakawaka/Piwaiwaka (Fantail), Kereru, Ruru (Morepork), Kiwi and Pukeko. When ordering and the blocks are sent out to you, information on all the images will be email.
More than just a block, these blocks are a learning resource to learn about our taonga, patterns and birds, build with them or use as an activity, stamping or rubbing.
All taonga images are taken from authentic work done by ourselves and the Kowhaiwhai patterns are common patterns found through out the country. Learn where they come from in nature and the meaning behind each pattern.
We're here to deliver an authentic, meaningful resource.
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Feedback from Kindergarten:
We LOVE them. We used them for Matariki story telling and whenever a teacher reads a book about a legend or a taniwha story. We talk about ‘taonga’ and how these carved wooden blocks are taonga and what tikanga would be around a treasure….They have been used as calm down time, when we select a taonga that we believe will ‘ground’ a child and give them some mana as they have been chosen to care for this taonga. We are trying to find local legends and local shared stories that we can use them with so the story of the taniwha coming down and forming the Manawatu Gorge. We have had them out with our puzzles that have Marae and pepeha and talked about the stories that have made these pieces of art….
These are just a couple of ways we have used them. We decided not to paint or print with the blocks. We believe they are special and our children understand that a lot of work went into making the carvings.