There are many fascinating personifications of knowledge through Maori perspective. This tekoteko is a representation of Rua te Ruru, wisdom of the owl. 

The Ruru (native New Zealand Owl) is a kaitiaki of Te Po, that is to say, guardian of the night, the unseen energies, realm of the departed. 

The Ruru is a nocturnal bird, hunting at night in the thick dense forests of Tane. 

I made the carving from an old totara fence post from Taumarunui. I have left the base of the carving natural, whilst the carving itself has a danish oil finish. 

Materials; Heart Mountain Totara, Paua shell, Danish oil 

Dimensions; 860mm x 160mm x 160mm 

By James Cannon, Taumarunui 2015