Artifact Number:
01410
Object:
Image
Tekoteko
Material:
Wood, shell (pearl)
Dimensions:
123 x 21 x 18.5 cm
Origin:
North Island, New Zealand (Aotearoa), Polynesia
Comments:
This tekoteko served as the gable figure of a whare nui. It is decorated with a bold moko kanohi (facial tattoo) and puhoro (tattooed thighs), and carved in the round. The figure is of a male ancestor who would have been greeted and respected when present in the meeting house. Tohunga whakairo, or master carvers, were vessels of deep knowledge of carving skills and stories associated with this art form.
Collection Name: Eric Craig Collection
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