Tui

New Zealand

The tui is of great significance to New Zealanders, as it was to the native Maori.  The tui feeds on nectar and can be taught to talk.  Carving done in the early 1980s.  This one was a commission for Dave and Franny Coleman, who had just returned from New Zealand.  I had very little reference material and after seeing other photos on the web, I now believe that the black color is not entirely accurate.