Papahou (treasure box)

This finely carved papa hou (treasure box) has the unusual feature of also being carved on the bottom. The base and lid have raised centre ridges with symmetrical rauru spirals running down the length of the box on both sides of the ridges. (Rauru are rauponga - an alternating pattern of pākati (dog tooth pattern) notches and haehae (parallel grooves) - when used as a spiral. The design is possibly named after Rauru, who is sometimes credited with being the first carver.) The same spiral patterns continue along the sides of the box. They are all carved with conventional pākati notches and haehae, with pitau (black tree fern: Cyathea medullaris) scroll patterns joining each spiral form. The handles at each end are typical mask forms and the papa hou has pāua (large New Zealand abalone with blue-green inner shell) shell inlaid eyes.

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.

For tourists

The uniformity and aesthetic qualities of the designs suggest that the box was probably made in the mid-nineteenth century to satisfy the burgeoning tourist market.