Tahā huahua (gourd on stand)

Taha huahua (gourd containers) were used to store cooked birds and other special foods. The top of the gourd was cut to form an opening; the birds were then layered inside and covered with melted fat. The feathers attached to the taha not only added to its beauty, but functioned as labels that identified the species of bird inside.

Elaborate vessels such as this one, with its carved legs and inlaid paua eyes, were sometimes used as centrepieces when guests were being entertained.

Once filled, taha huahua were brought into the village and given the appropriate ceremony and karakia (prayer), before being stored in raised pataka (storehouses).

This taha huahua belonged to Hurae Puketapu, of Te Waimako, Waikaremoana.

Taha huahua manu

I hangaia tenei ipu hei kotutu i nga manu, i roto ano i to ratau hinu, a, ka waiho hei kai ma te tangata. Ka ki te ipu i nga manu, ka whakamaua atu nga huruhuru o nga manu e tohu ana, he aha te kai kei roto. Ka tapahia te ipu pararaki e uru atu ai nga manu me te hinu e kiia ai, he taha huahua.

Ko etahi o enei taha ka whakairohia, ka raua atu he paua mo nga whatu, a, ka kawea hei matakitakitanga ma te marea.

Te wahi waiho i te taha huahua manu, ko roto i te pataka.