Wakahuia (treasure box)

This waka huia (treasure box) is fully carved with pākati (dog tooth pattern) notches and haehae (parallel grooves). It has double rauru spirals and rauponga patterns between the main spiral motifs. (Rauru are rauponga - an alternating pattern of pākati notches and haehae - when used as a spiral. The design is possibly named after Rauru, who is sometimes credited with being the first carver.) Concentric spiral forms extend beyond the main spirals like a ripple effect. The design also features fine pitau (black tree fern: Cyathea medullaris) scrollwork joining the main spiral patterns. The terminal ends gradually taper off into manaia (carved beaked figures) heads for handles.

Papa hou and waka huia
The rectangular form of papa hou is a northern variation of the more widespread waka huia, which are canoe shaped. The other main difference between the two forms is that papa hou are not carved on the bottom, whereas waka huia are.

Usage
Waka huia were used to contain the treasured personal adornments of both men and women - items such as hei tiki (pendants) and hūia (extinct New Zealand bird: Heteralocha acutirostris) feathers for decorating and dressing the hair. They were hung from the interior rafters of houses.