Peace Chalice

This unusual bowl, balanced on the upraised arms of an intricately carved figure, is known as the 'peace chalice'. It was probably given by Anaha Te Rahui to Robert Graham in appreciation of his mediation in a dispute between two chiefs. Anaha Te Rahui of Ngati Tarawhai was an important leader and carver, the son of Te Rahui, a major chief and canoe-builder, and Rangihonea of Ngati Pikiao. Anaha Te Rahui learnt the craft of canoe-building from his father, and carving skills from other tribal experts. In the early 1860s, he became  a land assessor, and devoted much of his time to Land court hearings, both as an assessor and as a claimant.

Robert Graham of Lanarkshire, Scotland, arrived in Auckland at the age of twenty-two, and embarked on an entrepreneurial and adventurious life in the colony. During his political career he was a member of both the House of Representatives and the Auckland Provincial Council; he also made major land purchases, survived two shipwrecks, and esatablsihed a number of successful farming ventures in the Auckland region and on offshore islands. From his earliest encounters with Maori, Graham was very aware of the impact of colonisation on their people. He became fluent in the Maori language and felt for their bitterness and loss of mana. Many regarded him as a diplomat.

In June 1878 trouble was brewing at Maketu (in the Bay of Plenty) between the chiefs Te Pokiha Taranui of Ngati Pikiao and Petera Te Pukuatua of Ngati Whakaue, caused by their frustrations over inconsistent and incomplete land transactions with the goverment. Hearing of the problem, Graham travelled on horseback from Auckland to Pukemaire Pa, at Maketu. After three long days of negotiation he persuaded the two chiefs to postpone the fighting until he had communicated with the goverment. The minister with responsibility for native affairs subsequently met with the chiefs and the land issues were resolved. On 9 December 1878 leading chiefs in the region, along with 155 people from their iwi, gifted 1500 acres (600 hectares) of land to Graham in appreciation of his role in averting war. The goverment, however, later disallowed the gift. According to Graham's wife Jane, 'it was something to remember to have those Maori chiefs welcoming Robert Graham and his family.'

The presentation to Ropata Karema (Robert Graham) included 'two beautifully carved paddles, and two handsome Maori carvings to their friend and benefactor...They were done especially for Mr Graham and were very finely executed.' This taonga - which the Graham family referred to as the 'peace chalice' or 'peace bowl' - is believed to be one of those carvings.

The chalice was acquired by Te Papa in 2001, after the museum was contacted by a private collector in Canberra, Australia, who had come into possession of the taonga.