New Acquisitions

Complete waka huia. Narrow, oval shaped waka huia, hollowed out to the corners we have a small ledge for the lid to rest on. Lid and base are worked in a rauponga style, with the base featuring a double spiral with accompanying notching pattern that radiates out from the centre on both sides of the base towards each end to meet a koruru figure. The two spirals are separated in the middle of the base end to end by a strap of groove and dot decoration. One koruru has carved eyes with the other remaining uncarved. Tongues on both koruru reach over the lower lip to the base forming a perforation for the suspension of the waka huia. The lid design is separated diagonally by five bands with an eye on each of the two central compartments with double haehae notching running longitudinally.

Complete waka huia made from totara. Wood is dark brown with a mid-red stain. Base has been broken in three pieces and glued back together. Cross section is a flattened U-shape, with rounded ends and a flat lid. Exterior sides of lid and box are carved with a curved rauponga (ridge and triangular notch) and rauru (spiral) pattern. Base has a human figure carved on both ends. The figures' bodies consist of curved arms and legs with three fingers and toes on each, carved on the base. The figures' heads protrude off the sides for suspension and have paua shell inlaid in the eyes.

Complete paddle. Straight handled paddle with a complex full human form as a handle knob at the proximal end. Circular cross-section of handle. The blade is broad and diamond shaped, typical of a North Island canoe paddle. Small chip at the distal end of the blade. The handle meets the blade at an angle.

Bone point. Manufactured from hollow bone. On end is sharpeded to a point. Hollow is filled with substance, probably dirt.

Broken bone point, tip remaining. Tip is sharpened.

Complete kotiate made of wood. Notches on side of blade. Face carving on butt with a square-shaped perforation just below head.