Title / object name Whakapakoko rakau
| Maker | Role | Date |
| Unknown | carver | 1750-1850 |
Medium Summary Wood
Materials wood
| Dimensions |
| Overall | 283 (Height) x 48 (Width) x 70 (Depth) mm |
Classification ceremonial objects, god sticks
Technique woodcarving
Registration Number ME016181
Credit LinePurchased 1997
This small, well-carved figure features a humanistic face carved with incomplete facial moko (tattoo), a protruding stomach, and a convex body with skeletonised carving between the shoulder blades and upper buttocks.
Carved buttocks
The buttocks are carved in a rape (buttock tattoo) design that is similar to a design drawn in ink pen on paper by Wiremu Maihi Te Rangikaheke (-1896) of Ngäti Rangiwewehi, Te Arawa (Rotorua). The design's quality suggests it is the work of a tohunga (expert craftsman). It would also be an appropriate design for a tohunga to wear.