Te toi whakairo = the art of Māori carving / Hirini Moko Mead.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 255-262) and index.

1. Te timatanga: Introduction -- 2. Te taonga a Tangaroa: The treasures of Tangaroa -- 3. Ka tipa nga mahi whakairo: The arts develop and flourish -- 4. Te puawaitanga o te whakairo: The blossoming of Maori art -- 5. Te toi whakairo o te Taitokerau: The Taitokerau art tradition -- 6. Te toi whakairo o Hauraki: The Hauraki art tradition -- 7. Te toi whakairo o Tainui: The Tainui art tradition -- 8. Te toi whakairo o Taranaki: The Taranaki art tradition -- 9. Te toi whakairo o Horouta o Takitimu: The Horouta and Takitimu art traditions -- 10. Te toi whakairo o Mataatua: The Mataatua art tradition -- 11. Te toi whakairo o Te Arawa: The Arawa art tradition -- 12. Te toi whakairo o Ngati Kahungunu: The Ngati Kahungunu art tradition -- 13. Te toi whakairo o Te Waipounamu: The South Island art traditions -- 14. Nga waqihanga me etahi momo taonga, momo whakairo: Structures, forms and motifs -- 15. Te tohunga whakairo: The woodcarver -- 16. te whakakopinga: The conclusion -- 17. Nga tohutohu whakairo: Carving instructions. Materials required -- Sharpening the chisels -- Instructions for carving a model head -- Surface decoration -- Background decoration -- The human figure -- Carving poupou.

Wood carving is one of the supreme expressions of New Zealand identity. Beginning with carving's mythical origins, Te Toi Whakairo explores the evolution of styles and techniques through the four main artistic periods to the present day, and provides detailed explanations of carving styles in different parts of the country, using examples from meeting houses and leading artists. Later chapters delve into the main structures, forms and motifs, and the role of the woodcarver, and explore the status of the art in contemporary New Zealand.