Representatives from New Zealand on Monday gave a large Maori wooden sculpture to Taiwan to mark the end of the Taipei International Book Exhibition, which was held at the Taipei World Trade Center.
Carved on site at the exhibition by Maori artist Arekatera “Katz” Maihi and his apprentice James Teepa over six days, the wooden mask is more than 1m tall and engraved with images inspired by the facial tattoos of Atayal people.
Maori and Taiwanese aborigines are said to be distant cousins, as the languages spoken by both groups have the same Austronesian linguistic root.
The exhibition featured New Zealand as the theme country, and introduced that nation’s literature, art and culture to the public.
Publishers Association of New Zealand president Sam Elworthy led a delegation that included about 80 writers, poets, artists and publishers.
Elworthy said the mask was inspired by the Maori phrase kanohi kite kanohi — meaning “face to face” — as Maori culture considers face-to-face communication an integral part of respect in a relationship.
Ministry of Culture Secretary-General Hsiao Tsung-hyang (蕭宗煌) said that the sculpture represents the spirit of cultural exchange between the two nations, adding that it would remain on display at a ministry museum.
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