By What is a waka huia used for?
A waka huia is a treasure box, which was used by Māori to hold precious adornments such as hei tiki (pendants) and huia feathers for dressing the hair.
What material is waka huia from?
They were originally made from wood and pāua shell, but today they can also be made from resin, glass and stone. The intricate carving patterns meant that waka huia themselves were treasured artworks and so were thought of as the ideal place for anyone to keep their own personal treasures.
Why is waka important?
Waka huia were made to store them safely. Waka huia were highly prized and carefully treasured as they were passed between generations as heirlooms. They were often gifted between hapū, whānau and individuals to acknowledge friendships, relationships and other significant social events.
What construction techniques are used to make a waka huia?
Overview. This waka huia (treasure box) is fully carved with pākati (dog tooth pattern) notches and haehae (parallel grooves). It has double rauru spirals on the sides of the box and ends of the lid. (Rauru are rauponga – an alternating pattern of pākati notches and haehae – when used as a spiral.
What does a Waka Huia look like?
Waka huia have an elongated oval shape, similar to the shape of a waka, while papa hou (lit. “feather box”) is a variation which is a flat, rectangular box. The rectangular form of papa hou is a northern variation of the more widespread waka huia.
What is taonga in English?
Taonga or taoka (in South Island Māori) is a Māori language word which refers to a treasured possession in Māori culture. Due to the lack of a direct translation to English and the significance of its use in the Treaty of Waitangi, the word has been widely adopted into New Zealand English as a loanword.
What is a New Zealand Tiki?
hei-tiki, small neck pendant in the form of a human fetus, used by the Māori of New Zealand as a fertility symbol. Usually carved of green nephrite or a jadelike stone called pounamu that is found along the western coast of the South Island, hei-tikis normally are worn only by women.
What is a natural taonga?
What is an example of taonga?
The Waitangi Tribunal described taonga works as the tangible and intangible expressions of Māori artistic and cultural traditions, founded in and reflecting the body of knowledge and understanding known as mātauranga Māori. Examples of taonga works include haka, karakia, waiata, weavings, carvings, tā moko and designs.
Can I wear a pounamu?
Wear your Pounamu against your skin as often as possible. It will naturally absorb oils from your skin that will help maintain its polish and it will become a holder of your wairua. Your taonga can be oiled with any natural household oils or fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil or tallow.
What does a Māori tiki symbolize?
The Hei Tiki represents the human form and one’s ancestors. Traditionally passed from parent to child or used for protection and good luck. It links the past, present and future.
What does te ao Māori mean?
The Māori world view (te ao Māori) acknowledges the interconnectedness and interrelationship of all living & non-living things. The Māori world view (te ao Māori) acknowledges the interconnectedness and interrelationship of all living and non-living things.