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Taoka Tawhito

Object | Part of Taonga Māori collection

ME000654; Taoka Tawhito; 19th century; Waitaha [attributed]; Unknown ; view 1
ME000654; Taoka Tawhito; 19th century; Waitaha [attributed]; Unknown ; view 2
ME000654; Taoka Tawhito; 19th century; Waitaha [attributed]; Unknown ; view 3
ME000654; Taoka Tawhito; 19th century; Waitaha [attributed]; Unknown ; view 4
ME000654; Taoka Tawhito; 19th century; Waitaha [attributed]; Unknown ; view 5
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item details

NameTaoka Tawhito
ProductionUnknown; carver; Southland
Classificationartifacts
Materialsslate
Techniquescarving
DimensionsOverall: 23.8mm (width), 91.6mm (height), 66.4mm (length), 106g (weight)
Registration NumberME000654
Credit lineAugustus Hamilton Collection. Purchased 1914

Overview

This enigmatic taonga (cultural treasure) features design elements that suggest its origins are from New Zealand’s pre-history period, possibly dating from the Te Tipunga (1300-1500) period of Māori art development. It also features a suspension hole and was probably worn as a breast pendant.