This beautifully carved Pare is a carved slab which hangs over a door.  It is usually seen above the doors of a Maori meeting house, especially the front door.

The Pare is usually carved to show ancestral figures or events, displaying the mana of Maori forebears.  It is also a mark of the threshold into the home of the tribe's ancestors, so is a very important part of the whare.

This Pare has a traditional Maori Koruru ( carved face) at its centre, and Maori Manaia (guardians) at each end.  The Manaia is a spiritual guardian, like a guardian angel, to ward off danger and protect against intruders.  It acts as a provider and protector over the sky, earth and sea. 

The Pare is carved from native New Zealand Matai timber, and is embellished with traditional New Zealand Paua Shell (abalone) eyes.  It measures approximately 56cm x 10cm x 2cm (22" x 4" x 3/4").