whakairo

/ fɑːkɑːiːrɒ /

noun

1. the art of carving

Word History and Origins

Origin of whakairo¹

Māori

Example Sentences

To create the taonga whakairo, or decorated treasures prized by the Maoris, a sculptor was expected to combine artistic skill with such qualities as leadership, courage, religious learning and generosity.

From Time Magazine Archive