Artwork Information

In 1967 historian Joan Metge noted that Māori artists at the time were not rejecting their Māoriness, but that they were pioneering a style of art relevant to their ‘modern’ experiences. Crucifix is an example of this idea. Matchitt carved Crucifix when he was an arts advisor living in Hamilton and active in his Māori and Catholic communities.

Christ bears a three-fingered hand which represents the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Chiselled marks used in customary carving define the torso. Christ’s extended and gaping neck evokes the violence at the final stage of his death.