Wakahuia (treasure box)

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

Two different forms
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. Another form of 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.

An unusual example
This unusual treasure box conforms neither to the conventions of waka huia or papa hou. The carved lid is dominated by two bilaterally opposed figures. This theme is duplicated on the underside with some distinguishing characteristic features. The two opposing heads both feature well executed notched pāuā (large New Zealand abalone with blue-green inner shell) shell inlay eyes and peaked foreheads. The bodies of the figures on the underside are carved in a dynamic, sinuous form. The peaked foreheads and sinuous bodies are indicative of the Taranaki style of woodcarving.

Highly prized taonga (treasures)
Waka huia and papa hou were designed to be suspended from the low hanging ceiling of Māori whare (houses) where their beautifully carved and decorated undersides could be appreciated. They were highly prized in themselves and carefully treasured as they passed between generations. As taonga, waka huia and papa hou were often gifted between hapū (sub-tribes), whānau (families), and individuals to acknowledge relationships, friendships, and other significant social events. It is therefore common to find waka huia and papa hou of one carving style among a tribe who practice a different style.