Description

Wood carved Tekoteko with paua eyes.  Approximately 23x 7 x 45 cm. Made in New Zealand with real timber.

Tekoteko in Maori tradition was those freestanding figures that stood on top of carved meeting houses: Marae.

Most of these figures had a stance that represented a position in a Haka, or a fighting stance, with a weapon.

The purpose of the Tekoteko was to overlook the forecourt in front of a carved house and challenge any visitors to the tribe. If the visitors were deemed to be friendly, Tekoteko would then offer protection.

Additional information