item details
NameRadiogram
ProductionMassey Retter; artist; circa 1955; New Zealand
Classificationradio receivers, radiographs, phonographs
Materialskauri (wood), metal, glass, pāua (abalone shell), paint
Techniqueswoodcarving, painting
DimensionsOverall: 475mm (width), 1340mm (height), 415mm (depth)
Registration NumberGH009099
Credit linePurchased 1998 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds
Overview
A tall radiogram, carved in a Maori folk-art style by Massey Retter (1914-1980), Muaupoko, Ngati Raukawa, at Otaki, during the 1950s.
The fascia of the machine is carved in traditional figural motifs, juxtaposed with a naturalistic figure of a woman wearing a feather cape and piupiu, holding a patu. The gramophone component of the machine is housed in a hinged bin that opens out to reveal a painted kowhaiwhai pattern.