Artwork Page for Treasure Box (Wakahuia)

Details / Information for Treasure Box (Wakahuia)

Treasure Box (Wakahuia)

1800s

Polynesia, New Zealand, Maori people, 19th century

Medium
wood with abalone shell
Measurements
Overall: 17.2 cm (6 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
The Mary Spedding Milliken Memorial Collection, Gift of William Mathewson Milliken 1961.405
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Decorated with low-relief spiral designs and small carved figures at each end, the treasure box was used to store ornaments worn by chiefs: feathers of the huia bird, combs, and pendants (hei-tiki). Because the heads and necks of high-ranking Maori chiefs were tapu, or sacred, their personal adornments were dangerous to children or individuals of lower rank. Treasure boxes were therefore hung from the rafters of the chief's house. Boxes like this one were in use when Captain Cook visited New Zealand in 1769-70.
Wakahuia, a cylindrical, wood treasure box, dark brown and shallow with a line running horizontally across the center where the lid meets the base, flanked on either side by stylized figures' heads. Intersecting straight-lined and spiral designs completely cover the box, either solid lines or rows of squat diamond-shapes. These also pattern the faces, the top of their heads flat and their eyes made from subtle yellow-green colored rings.

Treasure Box (Wakahuia)

1800s

Polynesia, New Zealand, Maori people, 19th century

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