Kumete (carved lidded presentation bowl)

item details

NameKumete (carved lidded presentation bowl)

ProductionPatoromu Tamatea; carver; 1850-1890; Rotoiti, Lake

Classificationbowls, ceremonial objects

Materialswood

Techniqueswoodcarving

DimensionsOverall: 330mm (width), 450mm (height), 350mm (length), 7539.09g (weight)

Registration NumberME005222

Credit lineThe Wallace Bequest. Gift of Mrs Elsie Chorlton & Mrs Elva Turner, 1961

Overview

This kumete whakairo (carved lidded presentation bowl) attributed to the Ngāti Pikiao master carver Patoromu Tamatea.

Large figure-supported, lidded presentation bowls such as this are a departure from traditional forms. Patoromu is attributed with the development of the carved presentation bowl, a developmental and innovative response to an increased demand for Maori carvings from Europeans during the 1850's and 1860's.

Patoromu Tamatea lived in the Rotorua area. This is one of three bowls by Patoromu carved between 1865 and 1885. Patoromu is also know to have carved various figures, weapons, bowls, boxes, walking sticks and tobacco pipes for the tourist trade, may of which are now in the collections of the Auckland Museum and the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa.

This particular kumete whakairo was presented to Tamihana Te Rauparaha, son of the famous Ngāti Toa warrior chief Te Rauparaha who is today remembered for popularising the haka (posture dance) 'Ka Mate, Ka Mate', associated with New Zealand's national rugby team the All Blacks..