Together We Thrive: Kia Puāwai Tātou
Sam Mangakahia
- Country
- Born 1994, Australia; residing Hawaii
- Dimensions
- 52 x 26.75 x 2 In.
- Medium
- Fiberboard, gel oil stain, gold leaf, and pine
The Māori proverb Nā to rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi means “With your (food) basket and my (food) basket the people will thrive.” The two lower layers represent “your basket” and “my basket.” The next level, made of oscillating triangles, represents exchange of items of value and, as Mangakahia notes, “the refinement we experience as we serve and receive from one another.” Finally, Mangakahia represents the idea “Together we thrive” with the stepped pattern on tukutuku panels used to decorate meeting houses, which depict the path to heaven or spirital ascension.
“This piece stands as a reminder to care for those whose hands hang down and remain open to receive, and in doing so, we can edify, uplift, and strengthen one another in our earthly journey back to Him.”
