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Korere (feeding funnel)

Unknown1700-1850

Te Papa

Te Papa
Wellington, New Zealand

Kōrere are believed to be feeding funnels used primarily to pass mulched or pureed food to men of rank whose mouths were swollen from the tā moko (Māori customary tattooing) operation when applied to the mouth area. Or kōrere may have been used more generally to pass food and liquids to men of high rank, or tohunga (experts) under tapu (sacred) restrictions. Kōrere are thought to originate from the Hokianga-Northland region and generally attributed to the Ngāpuhi tribes.

Tā mokoCustomary tā moko applied to the face is more accurately a form of scarification. The process involves gouging and channelling the recipient's skin using whao (small chisels), followed by the application of dark (blue/black) coloured pigments.

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  • Title: Korere (feeding funnel)
  • Creator Gender: Unknown
  • Date Created: 1700-1850
  • Location Created: Northland, New Zealand
  • Physical Dimensions: w117 x h160 x d146 mm
  • Type: religious objects
  • Rights: Oldman Collection. Gift of the New Zealand Government, 1992
  • External Link: Te Papa
  • Medium: Wood
  • Carver: Unknown
Te Papa

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