Wakahuia Pakati Haehae Maori Treasure Box
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TIK030
This carved Maori Wakahuia, or Feather ( or Treasure) Box is finely carved in the Pakati Haehae pattern. Pakati is the dogtooth pattern around the top edge, and Haehae are the parallel grooves outside the Pakati.
The word Wakahuia ( pronounced wah-car-hoo-ee-ah) comes from the words "waka" meaning container or vessel and "huia" - huia bird ( now extinct). Huia feathers were traditionally worn as a hair adornment by Maori of high status. These feathers were considered "tapu" or sacred because of contact with the head of such individuals.
Wooden boxes were elaborately hand-carved to hold and protect the feathers as well as other taonga ( treasures). The boxes and their contents were often given names, and were handed down through families. They were usually hung from rafters, for safe keeping.
This Wakahuia is also beautifully carved and inlaid with New Zealand Paua ( abalone) shell. On the top are two Tiki figures, for good luck, with the handle stretching between their mouths. The Tikis have eyes of inlaid paua shell. Inside the box is also hand-carved. It closes with a neat hole and pin at each end. Note the carved ends as well.
I'm really pleased to be able to offer you a Wakahuia, as there are not many people carving them, due to all the work involved. They are truly beautiful in design and carving, and will be sure to please you in the years to come. A true treasure that you can also hand down.
This Wakahuia pakati haehae measures 37cm (14 1/2") long.
The word Wakahuia ( pronounced wah-car-hoo-ee-ah) comes from the words "waka" meaning container or vessel and "huia" - huia bird ( now extinct). Huia feathers were traditionally worn as a hair adornment by Maori of high status. These feathers were considered "tapu" or sacred because of contact with the head of such individuals.
Wooden boxes were elaborately hand-carved to hold and protect the feathers as well as other taonga ( treasures). The boxes and their contents were often given names, and were handed down through families. They were usually hung from rafters, for safe keeping.
This Wakahuia is also beautifully carved and inlaid with New Zealand Paua ( abalone) shell. On the top are two Tiki figures, for good luck, with the handle stretching between their mouths. The Tikis have eyes of inlaid paua shell. Inside the box is also hand-carved. It closes with a neat hole and pin at each end. Note the carved ends as well.
I'm really pleased to be able to offer you a Wakahuia, as there are not many people carving them, due to all the work involved. They are truly beautiful in design and carving, and will be sure to please you in the years to come. A true treasure that you can also hand down.
This Wakahuia pakati haehae measures 37cm (14 1/2") long.
