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Overview
This finely carved papa hou (treasure box) has simple scroll patterning on the lid. The rest of the carving on the box consists of elongated manaia (carved beaked figures) rendered from a series of complex serpentine shapes made from enclosed pākati (dog tooth pattern) notches, which twist their way around the box. The handles at each end of the box are formed from stylised heads.
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.
Origin
The overall patterning suggests on this papa hou suggests that it originates from the Tai Tokerau region, which extends from Auckland northwards.
Acquisition
This papa hou was repatriated to New Zealand from Britain in 1958 as part of the K A Webster bequest to the people of New Zealand.