Wooden Wakahuia

Waka Huia Wooden Treasure Box
Total Size(mm): 400 L x 120 W x 105 D
Hand-carved from Mahogany wood. The Tiki figure has Paua Shell eyes. Please note these magnificent carvings are totally hand carved with hand tools so will have characteristic imperfections.
Waka huia and Papa hou are treasure containers made by Māori. These treasure containers stored a person's most prized personal possessions, such as hei-tiki (pendants), feathers for decorating and dressing the hair such as the tail feathers of the huia, heru (hair comb) and other items of personal adornment. Waka huia and papa hou were designed to be suspended from the low hanging ceiling of Māori whare (houses) where their beautifully carved and decorated undersides could be appreciated. They were highly prized and carefully treasured as they passed through generations. As taonga (treasures), waka huia and papa hou were often gifted between hapu (sub-tribes), whanau (families), and individuals to acknowledge relationships, friendships, and other significant social.