Mobile Unit. Thomas interviews Tuoro Akapita Pango, M.B.E., Rotorua

Mr Thomas of the BBC interviews Tuoro Akapita Pango M.B.E., about Māori wood carving.

[The interviewer, Mr Thomas’ questions in English are translated into Māori by Mr Henry Te Reiwhati Vercoe. Mr Tuoro Pango replies in Māori and then Mr Vercoe translates his reply into English.]

In the introduction, Mr Thomas makes the following comment:
"Here is Tuoro Akapita Pango, M.B.E., the spokesman of the Arawa tribe and himself an artist of distinction. When he was on Gallipoli he carved a figure on the side of a trench which was subsequently occupied by the 10th Australian Light Horse. They say they were rather mystified when they saw the figure."

Tuoro Pango explains how Māori became so expert in carving - certain men were set aside to learn the art, and they were held sacred. The carvings record the history of the Māori people, in place of a written record. Originally carvings were made in tree trunks. The carving took a long time - up to a year, using stone and shell tools. Young people are being taught the art of carving, many of whom are proficient at it.

The interview takes place in a whare whakairo (carved meeting house). Tuoro Pango speaks about the carvings, including one depicting an ancestor named Hatupatu. Smaller figures depict servants who cared for Hatupatu during his life. Tuoro Pango also explains the significance of the three fingers on the carving of Hatupatu. Mr Vercoe translates this as representing the “three particular meanings” as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.