All from one block of stone came the Tekoteko, Headstone and Manaia.

 

I was very honoured to provide a headstone for a beloved member of the Maori deaf community.

 

I worked closely with the family regarding the design of the Tekoteko (human-like figure usually found atop the wharenui to protect and guard).

 

There were two specific design requirements - the hands were in a "heavy block" form so that the left hand could show the deaf sign for love. - the feet were webbed as was the tradition for his Iwi.

 

 

Brett Keno
New Zealand Stone Carving Artist and Sculptor
April 2015