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Overview
This carved papa hou (treasure box) features two raised figures, each facing outwards at each end of the lid, which probably represent male and female ancestors. The design between these two figures consists of double rauru spirals. (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 areas between the main design features consist of pitau (black tree fern: Cyathea medullaris) scroll patterns with pūwerewere (spiderweb) motifs and notching. The two handles at each end of the papa hou are in the form of 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.