NEW ZEALAND (AOTEAROA), NORTH ISLAND, GISBORNE REGION
Culture
Maori
Title
Treasure Box (waka huia)
Date
19th c.
Materials
Wood, mother-of-pearl inlays
Dimensions
50.9 x 20.8 x 9.8 cm
Credits
Purchase, inv. 1953.Pc.11
Collection
Archeology and World Cultures
This type of box (waka huia) was used for the safekeeping of valuable objects (taonga) such as nephrite ornaments and feathers. Human-faced hooks enabled the box to be hung inside a home in order to better protect such objects.