Uncle Goose - Maori Alphabet Blocks
Ages 2
LIMITED DISTRIBUTION
JOHNSON, THE DESIGNER SAYS:
In creating the Maori alphabet set with Unclegoose, I thought that it would be great if we could use them not just for learning the letters, but as a way to learn about the important carving styles.
With this in mind, I decided that the carved figures should be the children of Rangi and Papa. For Maori children, knowing who these figures are and the narrative about the creation of Te Ao Marama and Te Ao Turoa is very important.
Considering this, the six different carved figures created are Tanemahuta, Tangaroa, Tawhirimatea, Haumiatiketike, Rongomatane and Tumatauenga. Each figure holds an item relevant to his character.
For example, Tumatauenga , auta o te pakanga, holds a wahaika (a Maori weapon), while Rongomatane, atua o te kumara me rangimarie, holds a kumara.
Shipping
Orders are dispatched within 3 business days. During sale times dispatch will take longer than usual. Please be patient while we will pick, pack and ship your order as soon as possible.
NZ
FREE shipping for orders over $200*
Otherwise a $9.00 flat rate for orders $199.99 and under, or $14.00 for rural addresses.
* note some items have an oversize surcharge for shipping of $10 Auckland or $20 nationwide including rural.
Deliveries should arrive 3-5 business days from dispatch. Please use the tracking email to follow your delivery. Rural allow another few days for delivery. Please note that these are estimated delivery times only and are not guaranteed delivery dates.
Once we have packed your order you will be emailed the tracking link. Tracking information will be available once the courier has picked up your parcel which can take up to 1 business day from when we have packed your order depending on their pick-up schedule.
International
We ship all over the world. Shipping costs will apply, and will be added at checkout.
Johnson brings together two cultures (Maori & Pakeha) by producing these alphabet blocks that are specially designed to educate children.
The printed wooden blocks feature the Te Reo alphabet, alongside traditional carving patterns and figures from six Iwi around the country. The figures can be stacked atop one another, like Pou on a Marae. They are interchanged with tuku tuku patterns and letters.
Maori believe language is the lifeforce of their culture, they even have a saying for it; "Ko te reo te mauri o te mana Maori. Ka ngaro te reo, Ka ngaro taua, pera i te ngaro o te Moa."
If the language is lost, we will perish like the Moa.
24 blocks in a set | 1.75" cubes (44mm) |