Mana Tangata Sculpture - Kuia

This beautiful ceramic sculpture is a one off piece entirely handmade by Gisborne based uku artist Fiona Bryant. 

“I express my artwork by drawing in the natural surroundings of whenua forest and tangata.  I have a great love for my forebears, and I honour them through the medium of clay.”

Each piece stands with mana — proud, steadfast, alive. The korowai flows with rhythmic grace, whispering whakapapa, woven with aroha. Each piece holds ancient stories in every curve. This is not just art - it is a taonga, and a joy and an honour to welcome into your whare.

These phenomenal ceramic statues are from her 'Mana Tangata' series and honours Tuupuna “Each tangata has a mauri of their own...”

Materials:  Red terracotta clay, glaze oxide

Approx 40cm height

Ko Ahititi te maunga 
Ko Waihirere te awa 
Ko Parihimanihi te marae 
Ko Ngati Wahia ko Ngati Kohuru nga hapu 
Ko te Aitanga a Mahaki te iwi 
Ko Fiona-mary taku ingoa

Fiona’s first introduction to clay was as a child, where she used to dig up the clay from their backyard, and make birds’ nests with eggs.  In 2013, she completed a three-year diploma in Maori Visual Arts through TWOA, Whirikoka campus, Gisborne. Her main medium was uku, although she enjoys acrylic painting as well.  

Since then, Fiona has been a practicing artist.  “I express my artwork by drawing in the natural surroundings of whenua forest and tangata.  I have a great love for my forebears, and I honour them through the medium of clay.”

This item is one off and made in Aotearoa NZ