Architecture of Aroha presents two objects that hold important cultural significance, the wahakura and the gietkka, baby sleeping vessels from Māori and Sámi communities respectively.
The wahakura and gietkka do not exist purely as objects. Rather, they are part of an intricate constellation of knowledge, design and spirituality.
Their design reflects a deep understanding of the natural world. For each, materials are sourced locally thus echoing the rhythms of the environment and showing the connection between all aspects of life and land for Indigenous peoples.
Within both Sámi and Māori worldviews, the making of the sleeping vessel and its materiality is more than a craft, it’s an expression of ancestral wisdom about care and love and the interconnected world that brings nature, the land, makers, family, ancestors and the extended community together. Brought into dialogue for Architecture of Aroha, these vessels demonstrate how Indigenous peoples consistently conceptualise, innovate, and finely-tune designs to ensure the protection and prosperity of families.
Architecture of Aroha was first presented at the Luleå Biennial 2024. For this iteration, Gunvor Guttorm has worked with Ngaroma Riley to carve the gietkka in Aotearoa.
