Rootbound

Our relationship with the mighty tree has never been more important. Deforestation ultimately means de-population.

Through collection items held at Waikato Museum Te Whare Taong o Waikato, we revisit our dependence on wood: its continued use knowing no boundary but the inventive human imagination.
We are bound by the roots of our raakau/wood ancestors. This exhibition celebrates Taane, the Maaori God of both forest and mankind, in his living form. If he remains upright, then so might we.

Image: Kauri Gum Bible, 1907, Collection of Waikato Museum Te Whare
Taonga o Waikato, and Wooden Top Hat, 2011, Roger Maybe, private collection.