Ipu whenua uku
When I first met Ipo Jakeman at last year’s Ngā Maia Trust Māori Midwives o Aotearoa Hui ā Tau in Ōtaki I knew we were going to work together on something magical.
Ipo, an uku/clay artist with 30 years of experience, has worked alongside the founding members of Ngā Kaihanga Uku collective, which include Manos Nathan, Wi Taepa, Baye Riddell, Paerau Corneal and Colleen Waata Urlich.
After seeing Ipo’s work in Ōtaki I was eager to provide a wānaka for our kahu pōkai and whānau here in Ōtautahi to create ipu whenua from uku. Ipo’s knowledge and teaching ability guided the groups over two days to work with uku, to understand the possibilities of this resource, and for many, to complete their ipu whenua during their time at the wānaka.
It was an uplifting experience for participants who felt inspired and motivated to make ipu whenua for their whānau and friends. They saw the beauty in the uku medium and the moulding of uku into forms that were belly-like and rustic. Participants commented on how therapeutic working with the uku was; they felt grounded and calm.
Ipo has set up a Facebook group for those who attended to show off their ipu whenua and those they make beyond the wānaka. She provides tautoko through videos and resources to ensure we all keep the uku mahi going.
This wānaka was both practical and healing for all who attended. Another valuable rauemi for the kete on the customary Māori birthing kaupapa, and another opportunity to feel connected to our tūpuna and each other on this journey of reclamation.
