Bone Carving - A Skillbase of Techniques and Concepts (BK011) -

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Bone Carving
A Skillbase of Techniques and Concepts
by Stephen Myhre
Reed Books, 2002, softcover, 116 pp

The first settlers of New Zealand, the Maori, brought with them the skills of bone carving, both for items of personal adornment and for the manufacture of tools such as fish-hooks.

In Bone Carving, Stephen Myhre has drawn with great sensitivity on techniques and styles of carving from various Pacific cultures, especially the Maori.  The result is a superbly practical handbook for anyone choosing this popular craft.  The book provides what the author calls a "skillbase" - a reliable set of practices, attitudes and ideas that can successfully product bone carvings of great function and beauty.

Bone Carving describes and illustrates the materials, tools and techniques, explaining every stage from roughing out to final polishing and mounting, in a warm, chatty style.  It's as if he is talking to you.  Throughout the book, the author emphasises the importance of good design and the development of patience, the need for integrity, and the respect of old traditions and cultural significance.

There are wonderful step-by-step photos and diagrams, as well as beautiful photos of finished pieces, all with a beautiful New Zealand influence to them. The book will provide you with many ideas on how to get into or improve your bone carving.  This is a truly inspiring book!  

Of particular importance to many readers is to find information on whipping and lashing the top of a bone or jade pendant.  Stephen shows in excellent detail ( black and white photographs plus instructions) how to do a Maori fish-hook snood lashing, a knotted ridge lashing, and a hei toki (adze) lashing.  He also shows how to attach a brooch pin.