Papahou (treasure box)

This elaborately carved papa hou is carved in the Te Tai Tokerau style of the northern tribes of New Zealand, and has been stylistically attributed to Ngāti Kahu. The lid, in particular, is richly decorated with rauru spirals accentuated with the pakura pattern. The central spine on the lid depicts ancestral figures, of which the two central figures are shown embraced in sexual union. This is a common theme depicted in Māori carving often representing the Māori creation story (Ranginui, Sky-father, and Papatūānuku, Earth-mother) the potent forces of procreation, the continuity of life and tribal prosperity and fertility.

Waka huia and papa hou are personal treasure containers made for storing a person's most prized personal possessions, such as hei-tiki, feathers for decorating and dressing the hair, and other items of personal adornment. Waka huia and papa hou were imbued with the tapu of their owners because they contained personal items that regularly came into contact with the body, particularly the head - the most tapu part of a chief's body.

These prized containers were designed to be suspended from the low hanging ceiling of the Māori whare where they're beautifully carved and decorated underside could be appreciated. Waka huia and papa hou were in themselves highly prized and carefully treasured across generations. Occasionally they were gifted between tribes, or chiefs, as an acknowledgement of an important event or to recognise a significant relationship.

The rectangular treasure box form of the papa hou are a variant northern form of the more widespread waka huia. Another form of the papa hou is also found in Taranaki. Some northern Taranaki tribes have historical genealogical associations with Northland tribes, and this may explain why papa hou were also created in the Taranaki region.