What is the importance of waka huia?
A waka huia is a treasure box, which was used by Māori to hold precious adornments such as hei tiki (pendants) and huia feathers for dressing the hair. Although Māori had a subsistence economy, they had enough time and resources to produce purely ornamental objects such as this.
Where were the waka huia kept?
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 in themselves and carefully treasured as they passed between generations.
When was the waka huia made?
Television (Full Length Episode) – 1987. A ‘waka huia’ is traditionally a treasure box to hold the revered huia feather. Waka Huia the TV series records and preserves Māori culture and customs.
What do the carvings on the waka huia symbolize?
The lid of this waka huia (treasure box) shows male and female figures engaged in sexual intercourse. Sexual symbolism was often incorporated into Māori carving.
What is a waka huia made of?
They were originally made from wood and pāua shell, but today they can also be made from resin, glass and stone. The intricate carving patterns meant that waka huia themselves were treasured artworks and so were thought of as the ideal place for anyone to keep their own personal treasures.
What material is waka huia from?
What is a papa hou?
Papa hou are treasure containers for storing a person’s most prized personal possessions, such as hei tiki (pendants), feathers for decorating and dressing the hair, and other items of personal adornment.
How big is a waka huia?
Wakahuia are generally ovoid in shape and occur in most tribal regions; while papahou, which are oblong or rectangular in shape, tend to occur only in Taranaki and the north Auckland-Northland regions of the North Island. Both forms typically range in size from between 30-60cm in length.
What is the difference between waka huia and papa hou?
Papa hou and waka huia The rectangular form of papa hou is a northern variation of the more widespread waka huia, which are canoe shaped. The other main difference between the two forms is that papa hou are not carved on the bottom, whereas waka huia are.
What is a Wakahuia made of?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1_ZSnIB_v4