Āhua Gallery
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Waka Tūpāpaku - CI3348
A waka tūpāpaku is a box used for containing the bones of a person of high rank after they had been exposed on the atamira platform, the flesh removed and the bones anointed with oil and red ochre, placed in a waka tūpāpaku and taken to a tribal buriel cave.
Material: Tōtara
Measurements: 580mm x 140mm x 110mm
$2,500.00
Wakahuia - 4783KA
Customarily wakahuia were vessels used for housing valuable feathers of the revered native huia bird. Following the extinction of the huia, wakahuia are now more commonly used to retain the treasured heirlooms of its owner such as hei tiki and other adornments. Wakahuia were originally designed to be suspended from the rafters of a dwelling and therefore had as much carving on the lower surface as the top. Wakahuia were highly prized and carefully treasured as they were passed between generations as heirlooms. They were often gifted between whānau, hapū and individuals to acknowledge relationships, friendships, and other significant social events.
Material: Tōtara
Measurements: 345mm x 110mm x 90mm
$9,500.00
Whakakai - 4379TO
Material: Ōnewa (NZ Greywacke) & Koiwi (Beef Bone)
Measurements: 190mm x 35mm x 30mm
$2,090.00
Wheku - 5515IA
In Māori carving there are three predominant designs for heads: the 'wheku' with its long eyes; the 'koruru' with its round eyes; and the 'ruru', which also has round eyes but with a point at the top. The different designs were used by carvers to illustrate the character of the subject they were carving. The long eyes of the wheku were often used to depict a squint or frown.
Material: Kawakawa (NZ Jade)
Measurements: 113mm x 65mm x 22mm
$3,250.00
Wheku - 6346HW
In Māori carving there are three predominant designs for heads: the 'wheku' with its long eyes; the 'koruru' with its round eyes; and, the 'ruru', which also has round eyes but with a point at the top.
The different designs were used by carvers to illustrate the character of the subject they were carving. The long eyes of the wheku were often used to depict a squint or frown. Material: Pakohe (Argilite) Measurements: 48mm x 37mm
The different designs were used by carvers to illustrate the character of the subject they were carving. The long eyes of the wheku were often used to depict a squint or frown. Material: Pakohe (Argilite) Measurements: 48mm x 37mm
$750.00
Wheku - 6347HW
In Māori carving there are three predominant designs for heads: the 'wheku' with its long eyes; the 'koruru' with its round eyes; and, the 'ruru', which also has round eyes but with a point at the top.
The different designs were used by carvers to illustrate the character of the subject they were carving. The long eyes of the wheku were often used to depict a squint or frown. Material: Pakohe (Argilite) Measurements: 59mm x 48mm
The different designs were used by carvers to illustrate the character of the subject they were carving. The long eyes of the wheku were often used to depict a squint or frown. Material: Pakohe (Argilite) Measurements: 59mm x 48mm
$750.00
Wheku - 6638CF
In Māori carving there are three predominant designs for heads: the 'wheku' with its long eyes; the 'koruru' with its round eyes; and the 'ruru', which also has round eyes but with a point at the top. The different designs were used by carvers to illustrate the character of the subject they were carving. The long eyes of the wheku were often used to depict a squint or frown.
The wheku was commonly used in Māori carvings by some tribal areas and was also placed on the apex of the Māori meeting house to represent an eponymous ancestor.
Material: Tōtara (Red Pine)
Measurements: 250mm x 130mm x 30mm
$4,900.00
