Passage of the Mulberry Tree

Materials: Andesite, Macrocarpa, polyester rope, copper pin, 130 x 50 x 30cm.

This Sculpture celebrates cultural heritage and the Austranesian migration. The vessel's intricate Tapa pattern symbolizes the spirit of exploration and expansion, inviting viewers to reflect on the historical Austranesian migration from Taiwan across the Pacific and beyond. The artwork weaves together archaeological, linguistic, and genetic data, emphasizing the cultural significance of the paper mulberry tree. "Passage of the Mulberry" serves as an ode to seafaring, discovery, and the diverse occupants of the ocean.

In connection with our whakapapa,;mine: Maori/European and my husband’s, Samoan/ European; we have created this tribute to for all navigators; past and present; from Oceania to the distant shores of Europe. We also, wish to raise awareness for the occupants of the Moana.

This piece encourages the viewer to consider the possible Austranesian Expansion (from 3000 BCE. We all enjoy the ocean, and this carved vessel hints at the navigation of our Austranesian ancestors. The Austranesian migration theory explores one of the world’s greatest migrations from out of Taiwan, reaching from Madagascar, to all of Oceania. There are strong archaeological, linguistic, human genetic data, and of the paper mulberry.

The paper mulberry tree, has genetic links from China connecting it with this expansion. The pattern on the prow of the ‘Vessel’ is a Tapa pattern, engraved then painted in a bronze paint to represent the Tapa Cloth. The pattern has a wave like from in the diamonds and almost a DNA or helix look to the lower part of the design.

May seafaring and discovery of new species and wonders continue, on a local basis for our children and ourselves; to a worldly scientific scale.

A collaboration of Amie Redpath, stone carver, and John Lolesi, wood crafter and Knot Tyer.