Conwell Nathan Tabuai - Boegi

"Boegi" Inspired and dedicated to my elders for those who have pasted on and those who are still here present with us. 

The old wise man seats under a shady tree holding his Boegi (walking stick). A deeper meaning to this is when a person has contributed his time and efforts to society and now, his life journey has come to an end. He holds the Boegi with wisdom, knowledge and history of our traditional way of life and practices. Most importantly the identity of our tribal lore, totems, star constellations, stories, dances and our songs. The Boegi itself signifies wisdom, status, power, authority and direction, for we are reminded that we must give our time to seat with our elders to obtain that knowledge and wisdom, they hold today. It is our obligation, (Mina Pawa) respect, learn to listen, and practice our old ways. The Boegi carved from the tree where the old wise man seats, the tree represents harmony and balance in nature the rebirth and connection of the earthly and the spiritual. the birds come and nest and rest their wings and birds fly away the tree still stands that gives life to nature, for when the evening shadow comes upon that old wise man, he won’t be there, to seat under the shady tree to hold his Boegi (walking stick).  

This art piece "Boegi" it is hand crafted out of a red silky oak wood, applied with wood burner, acrylic paint and finished with a clear gloss. The intricate details of the designs on the "Boegi" captures the concept of my totem which is the Crocodile.