The Golden Bough is part of an ongoing series by Jim Wheeler that examines native trees and plants, celebrating, paying homage and urging the viewer to look closer. Hanging several metres above the ground it is made up of several castings which are attached together around the trunk of a native kauri. The form of The Golden Bough is based on that of mistletoe which can be found in clusters on several tree trunks in this area of the kauri grove at Brick Bay.
Mistletoe has a rich multicultural history. It was possibly the Golden Bough of prehistory, which grew into a sacred oak and gave authority to the King of the Wood. It was sacred to the ancient Celts who observed how it remained green in winter while its host, the mighty oak, appeared dead and leafless. It was thought that the soul of the oak dwelt within the mistletoe, held safely above the ground in the trees’ highest branches. Sprigs of mistletoe were hung in front of cottages for safety in Breton; in Wales they were placed under one’s pillow on midsummer’s eve to induce prophetic dreams. Warriors could meet in truce under mistletoe – the source of the Christmas tradition of kissing.
Jim Wheeler has been working as a sculptor in New Zealand since 1981 when he emigrated from the United States of America. A passionate botanist and conservationist, he has closely studied the native flora of New Zealand, which has become integral to his work. In 2000 he began a series of works that examine the intricate details of native plants. Designed to be installed in the branches of trees, these works are out of scale and are designed to celebrate and draw attention to delicate or overlooked plants.
RW