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Tauihu (War canoe prow)
1st half 19th century
MARKK
Hamburg, Germany
This painted prow of a Māori war canoe is decorated with a circular, open-worked pattern typical for this kind of carving. It embodies the boat’s spiritual essence, protects the sailors and guides them safely through the water. At the tip stands the figure of Tūmatauenga, the god of war.
Details
- Title: Tauihu (War canoe prow)
- Date Created: 1st half 19th century
- Type: Canoe
- Publisher: Museum of Ethnology Hamburg
- Rights: Museum of Ethnology Hamburg | Photo: Paul Schimweg
- External Link: Homepage Museum für Völkerkunde Hamburg
- Medium: wood (painted), pāua (snail shell)
- on display: The House Rauru. Masterpiece of the Māori
- Date of Acquisition: ca. 1885
- Context of Origin: Māori – New Zealand
- Collection: Coll. Godeffroy Museum
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