Henry’s works are held locally and internationally, but his purpose remains grounded: to protect, practice and pass on the living traditions of his people.
Henry Wichman Tavioni
Henry Wichman Tavioni is a Cook Islander of Atiuan, Mangaian, Tahitian, English, Irish and German descent. Henry is a carver, artist, craftsman and cultural knowledge-holder based in Rarotonga. At a young 70 years of age, he continues to dedicate his life to the preservation and practice of Cook Islands Māori culture.
Working alongside his wife Sharon Tavioni at their space called Mokoero Arts & Crafts at the Punanga Nui Market, Henry creates traditional and culturally inspired works using wood, stone, shell, cloth and paint. While widely respected for his carving, his personal passion is oil painting, alongside textile and sewing work that reflects his broad creative range.
For years, Henry has supported the Cook Islands Library and Museum, restoring and repairing artefacts, creating new works for display and researching traditional techniques, including indigenous wood-sealing methods. He has visited museums around the world to study Cook Islands taonga. His passion projects are many but for years he has worked to produce carefully researched replicas of Cook Islands artefacts housed in foreign museums. His intent is to one day have them displayed in Rarotonga, ensuring cultural knowledge remains accessible at home.
A founding member of Te Toki Tupuna, Henry mentors emerging artists in carving and peu Māori and is developing an apprenticeship programme to safeguard ancestral skills and values for future generations.
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