Welcome to the Christian Carver Blog
How are bone carvings made? Why are bone carvings often referred to as Taonga (treasure)? Why in New Zealand is it traditional to bless a carving before it is worn?
Within this blog space, I will explore these questions and endeavour to illustrate how they are created.
I hope readers will gain a deeper appreciation of the art form and understand what transforms a carving from being an ordinary commercially produced trinket, into a special treasure.
Over time, I aim to create and build up a useful resource for others wishing to explore this craft.
Personal Journey...
The spiritual elements of bone carving are deeply personal to each carver. Traditionally some of the esoteric aspects of this craft are not easily articulated. You are always welcome to reach out to me with your own personal questions in this respect. Everyone is on their own spiritual journey whether they like it or not. As someone who spent over 30 years studying the deeply the spiritual dimensions underpinning this craft, I have been through a remarkable journey (and am still just a beginner).
I certainly do not claim to be a master or authority relating to such matters. In respect to bone carving, I am blessed to be able to express glory to the most high Atua (God) and it is my wish to honour Him in all I do. (For the purpose of grammatical sense, I use the pronoun Him, because God is a living real life transcendent being for which the word ‘it’ does not do justice. God is of course transcendent of being He or She).
Everyone deserves dignity and while I may not agree with all spiritual viewpoints, I offer respect to you and with love, hope for you to attain ultimate peace and happiness.
I have deeply explored many spiritual paths. After dabbling in the new age, pagan, and spiritualist movements, I became a devout practicing Buddhist. However, it is with great appreciation that the Lord Jesus Christ remarkably pulled me out practicing occultic paths, after 35 years of full emersion! As a Christian, I now have a growing personal relationship with the Lord who is the supreme Creator of All. While reality may have subjective and relative aspects to it, I do believe in an ultimate reality is truthful and unchangeable. So, with what little I know, I share with you a hope that you will get a glimpse, sense, or even directly encounter the One who has His hand outstretched in love for you.
Within this blog space, I hope you will better understand the magic that exists within each Taonga. Identify the characteristics that make good quality carvings, appreciate their value more, and the mahi, effort, or work, that goes into each creation.
It is my hope that you will also develop an eye for excellence and learn how to pick a carving that is best suited for yourself, or for various individuals you may be gifting them to.
Watch this space as I endeavor to explore these questions and more.
Aroha Parakore - Pure Love
