Rakau atua "Tumatauenga"

Rākau atua (god sticks) were ceremonial in function and acted as vessels/homes for deities or were divination rods for atua (gods). This rākau atua was originally probably at least a metre longer and is associated with Tūmatauenga (the god of war), who was one of the sons of Ranginui (sky father) and Papatūānuku (earth mother). The reference to Tūmatauenga can be seen in the large eye (that sees all) and the row of fierce teeth (that can devour the world). This rākau atua also features a double-featured head, known as a mua.

UsageThere is a great deal of mystery around the specific protocols and practices of how rākau atua were used. What is known is that Māori believed that atua (gods) would inhabit a rākau atua when invoked and leave once a ceremony was completed.

Rākau atua are extremely rare objects in museum collections. They represent a tangible connection to the Māori spiritual world and deities pre-European contact.