Whakakōhatu - Bronze & Resin

The paddle or hoe was the means of propulsion for the Māori waka (canoe). While the hoe was primarily a paddle, it also doubled as a weapon when the need arose. Carved paddles were the property of the chief and were highly valued. The hoe came in different styles and the handles and blades differed from area to area.

This symbolic item was used by the tribal rangatira to delineate territorial possession which was always respected by the tribe. The pouwhenua was also used by orators on the marae during formal occasions where it was thrust into the earth at the completion of their kōrero (speech).

The paddle or hoe was the means of propulsion for the Māori waka (canoe). While the hoe was primarily a paddle, it also doubled as a weapon when the need arose. Carved paddles were the property of the chief and were highly valued. The hoe came in different styles and the handles and blades differed from area to area.

Pāpaka (crab catching stick) originated in Hawaiki (the original homeland of Māori). Rēhua (the god of fish) handed a pāpaka to a rangatira (chief) before his journey to Aotearoa. This pāpaka is part of a limited edition of 12 bronze casts from an original wood carving by Kawana Waititi. The original will remain part of the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute legacy collection.

The tekoteko is a stylised representation of the main progenitor of a tribe and is the most focal point of the whare whakairo (carved tribal meeting house). They can be found – on traditional meeting houses – either at the highest point at the front apex of the roof or at the front central post. They can also be found at the base of the poutokomanawa (the main central ridge support post) of the house.

The tekoteko is a stylised representation of the main progenitor of a tribe and is the most focal point of the whare whakairo (carved tribal meeting house). They can be found – on traditional meeting houses – either at the highest point at the front apex of the roof or at the front central post. They can also be found at the base of the poutokomanawa (the main central ridge support post) of the house.

An oko was traditionally used to house food.

The literal meaning of wahaika is: ‘waha’ (mouth); and, ‘ika’ (fish). It was specifically named because of the gap on the side of the weapon. Wahaika were used in close hand-to-hand combat to defect blows, and to strike the chest, head and wrist. Many wahaika have a small figure carved on their side called a pūkaiora which represented a tribal war God that would guard over the warrior during battle. The whiti or small head at the end of the handle was also a form of guardian. Wahaika are usually made from native hardwoods or whalebone.

The tekoteko is a stylised representation of the main progenitor of a tribe and is the most focal point of the whare whakairo (carved tribal meeting house). They can be found – on traditional meeting houses – either at the highest point at the front apex of the roof or at the front central post. They can also be found at the base of the poutokomanawa (the main central ridge support post) of the house.