This carved wooden stern-ornament of a Maori canoe depicting two ribs, scroll-work and two human figures. It is of unusual height and an excellent example of Maori art. The Maoris considered canoes to represent the body of an ancestor and to be highly sacred. The imposing end piece includes the prescribed elements of two ribs, scroll-work and two human figures. One of the figures faces forward, as though to cover the attack and one faces behind for defence. Stern-pieces like these were decorated with feathers and streamers. Contact with a canoe was restricted to men, specifically to carvers and warriors.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Tau-rapa (war canoe stern-piece), c. 1850
Date supported
1921
Medium and material
Wood & haliotis shell
Dimensions
210 x 30 cm
Grant
35
Total cost
35
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