Artifact Number:
01424
Object:
*misc., canoe part
Tauihu
Material:
wood, shell (paua), red ochre
Dimensions:
92.0 x 31.0 cm.
Origin:
North Island, New Zealand, Polynesia
Comments:
This canoe prow, comes from a large waka taua, war canoe that shailed between Waitara and Otaki in the cook straits. The prow is painted with red ochre called korowai. A number of figures representing the major gods are present, their eyes inlaid with puna (Haliotis spp) shell. This canoe is said to be have been carved in Waitaru by a Maori chief named Tamati Taru, father of the rangatira Teria Manuka of Waitara.
Collection Name: Eric Craig Collection