Wakahuia (treasure box)

This waka huia (treasure box) was originally identified as a papa hou. 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.

Details
This waka huia is fully carved with pākati (dog tooth pattern) notches and haehae (parallel grooves), with double rauru spirals being the main design feature. (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.) The terminal ends gradually taper off into manaia (carved beaked figures) heads for handles.

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.

Acquisition
This waka huia (treasure box) was repatriated to New Zealand from Britain in 1958 as part of the K A Webster Collection.