The intricately patterned traditional Maori panel, which now holds pride of place at the entrance of Artsenta’s Princes St centre, was based on a Kai Tahu design.
Artsenta artist George said the three-month project of creating the tukutuku panel had involved a dozen artists at the centre, under the guidance of Phyllis Smith, of Puketeraki marae.
George and fellow artists Kowhai and Charlotte did much of the work, but regularly brought in others to work on the panel.
‘‘Tukutuku weaving has to be done in pairs, so it is a very communal activity,’’ she said.
Woven using native flaxes, the tukutuku panel depicted abstract concepts such as spirituality, serenity, hospitality, and community, Kowhai said.
Its design also represented the stars, landscapes and wildlife of Dunedin and Otago, she said.
The artists were very pleased with result of their work, saying that the panel held a special place in their hearts.
‘‘It is a piece of art we have all contributed to and it will be here to welcome people into the future,’’ George said.
Making the tukutuku panel had inspired the artists to make a deeper study of Maori art, especially in regard to developing weaving skills, she said.
Artsenta is a shared art studio for people who use mental health services and operates in the belief that the arts, creativity and selfexpression are essential for emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.
