Overview
This kūwaha pātaka was the entrance to a Māori pātaka whakairo (carved storehouse for treasures or provisions). The figures represent ancestors and, through them, tribal identity, pride, and continuity.
The pātaka whakairo was one of the three main symbols of a tribe’s artistic excellence, wealth, and dignity. The others were the waka taua (carved war canoe) and whare whakairo (carved ancestral house).
Pātaka whakairo were expensive to construct as they required the skill of tohunga whakairo (master carvers). These experts were looked after lavishly for the duration of the project - often months - and paid with gifts of fine cloaks and greenstone weapons.