Overview
Wakahuia & Carved Lidded Containers
Māori woodcarvers made a variety of wooden containers for holding precious items of personal adornment, including feathers, various types of ear pendants, hei tiki and breast pendants etc; and the presentation of special gifts to celebrate and acknowledge important social and political events.
The three main categories of carved containers are:
- Wakahuia & Papahou
- Kumete and figure supported bowls, and
- Pouaka Whakairo.
Many of these containers are elaborately carved and exemplify the artistic excellence, craftsmanship and skill of the master carver.