Object: Taoka Tawhito
View More Images (6)
Title / object name  Taoka Tawhito
Maker  Role  Date  
Unknown  carver  1800  
Materials  slate
Dimensions
Overall  91.6 (Height) x 66.4 (Length) x 23.8 (Width/Depth) mm
Classification  artifacts
Technique  carving
Registration Number  ME000654
Credit Line
Augustus Hamilton Collection. Purchased 1914

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 Mäori art development. It also features a suspension hole and was probably worn as a breast pendant.

Related topics

Related places

Related categories

Digital NZ






This electronic record was created from historic documentation. It may not necessarily reflect the best available knowledge about the collection item. Some collection images are created for identification purposes only and therefore may not be of reproduction quality. Some images are not available due to copyright restrictions. If you have additional information or questions about objects in the collection, we encourage you to contact us.