Story: Tongans

Filipe Onevula Tohi (2nd of 3)

Filipe Onevula Tohi

Filipe Tohi came to Auckland from Tonga in 1978. He moved to New Plymouth, where he developed a unique style as a sculptor, drawing on European art traditions, Māori wood carving and the shape of Tongan stone ruins. Here he is working on the Auckland University fale using the ancient art of lavalava – the lashings which bind traditional houses and canoes.

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How to cite this page:

Melenaite Taumoefolau, 'Tongans - Pacific Islands identity', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/1269/filipe-onevula-tohi (accessed 5 May 2024)

Story by Melenaite Taumoefolau, published 8 Feb 2005, updated 25 Mar 2015