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 finely carved all over with pākati (dog tooth pattern) notches, haehae (parallel grooves), and double rauru spirals. (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 main design areas are linked with rauponga. The terminal ends of the base have a crouched male figure at one end and a crouched female figure at the other. Both are high-browed with pāua (large New Zealand abalone with blue-green inner shell) shell inlaid eyes and protruding tongues. There are holes at both ends in order to suspend the waka huia from the rafters of a dwelling.

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 was repatriated to New Zealand from Britain in 1958 as part of the K A Webster bequest to the people of New Zealand.