Context (CMS Context)
Commissioned from the artist.2006.219 A was displayed in the exhibition Pasifika Styles, 2006-2008, as part of the installation ‘Bi-cultural Rap Re-mix’ (2006) by artist Suzanne Tamaki.
Event Date 1/6/2006
Author: maa

Description (CMS Description)
Feather and shell “breastplate” and “g-string”; red and black feathers with cowrie shells. A: Breastplate / chest ornament named “Burning Desire” by the artist. B: G-string / hip or pubic area adornment made to be worn wrapped between the legs, called “Burning Desire” by the artist. The shells arranged like teeth go over the vulva and invoke the vagina dentata of the Maori goddess of Death, Hine-nui-te-Po.
Event Date 1/6/2006
Author: maa

Context (CMS Context)
A letter from the artist, dated 14 June 2005 states, 'I have designed a set which I think would be perfect. The two pieces are a feather and shell breastplate with a matching g-string. The feathers are dyed red and black rooster, while the shells are small cowrie with shell flowers added onto the belt. These will be strung on black and red cord with white crosses. This style cord is from the “Love You Longtime” range.'

The accession note suggests that A was displayed in Pasifika Styles exhibition, but analysis of the exhibition images shows that neither this piece, or the additional breastplate which was returned to the artist in 2011, was the item exhibited.
Event Date 27/11/2015
Author: Rachel Hand

Description (Physical description)
Polyamide (nylon) cord. Feathers require further testing/investigation
Plastics Project
Event Date 7/4/2017
Author: Rhian Ward