Carving

Step for digging stick

This object is composed of an elaborately carved figure above which sits a flat rectangular step. The head of the figure is depicted with a large, open mouth. A band of raised ridges encircles the top of the mouth and forehead.


Club, 'wahaika' form

Club, 'wahaika' form
view: quarter 1

This club has a short, rounded handle. A head has been carved into the end of the handle depicted with an open mouth. Two circles which define the eyes sit within a deeply recessed area. The eyes and nose have been roughly modelled.


Club, 'wahaika' form

This club is composed of a short handle and main rounded body. An abstract design has been carved into the end of the handle, below which is a hole. A figure has been carved into one side of the club, depicted with a gaping mouth.


Club, 'kotiate' form

This club has been formed into a violin shape. It has a short handle and a rounded main body which has been separated into two halves by a cut-out segment placed in the centre of either side. An elaborate design has been carved into the end of the handle, below which is a square-shaped hole.


Head of a 'staff god'

The top of this object has been formed into a large head. The head is fairly flat with a sharp edge which runs down the centre separating the head into two halves. The large eyes, mouth and ears have been carved and are simplistic.


Male figure - 'Fisherman's god'

Male figure - 'Fisherman's god'
view: front

This figure squats on both legs with arms by the sides, resting on the stomach. The hands and feet are defined by grooves. The figure has a large protruding stomach with a large, defined navel. The chest and back are flat and the sides of the torso have been cut away to form two recessed areas.


Stool

This stool is composed of a curved rectangular set which sits upon four legs. The legs are short and curve outwards, resting upon heart-shaped feet. The seat curves upwards. The object is plain and undecorated.


Figure on post

This object is composed of a simple figure who stands upon a rectangular post which tapers towards the bottom. The figure stands with legs apart, the left arm hangs by the side with the hand resting on the stomach and the right arm reaches upwards with the hand touching the chin.


Club

This club is composed of a long rounded shaft and a large flat head. The shaft widens slightly at the base and has been left plain and unadorned. The top of the club widens into a circular shape and is thicker then the rest of the object. The design is the same on both sides.


Wrist ornament

This wrist ornament has been formed into the shape of a turtle. The turtle has been simplistically rendered as only the feet, mouth and eyes have been defined. A hole runs through the centre of the body from side to side.


Two dancing figures

This pair of dancing figures are similar in stance and execution. Figure A stands with legs apart and bent outwards slightly at the knee. The right arm is raised with the hand touching the head, the left arm rests on the left thigh. The head is seen in profile, turned to the left.


Neck ornament

This neck ornament is characterised by a central pendant formed from whale ivory. This pendant is hook-shaped with two ridges on the underside and curves upwards. From either side of this stems plaited strands of hair.


Priest's 'yaqona' dish in duck form

This dish has been formed into the shape of a duck in flight. A simple head with a long beak has been carved. One eye has been defined by a ring of white shell and is hollow in the centre. The shell from the left eye is missing. The neck extends from the centre of one end of the dish.


Club

This club has been formed from a long circular pole which widens towards the top. Seven tear-shaped stumps encircle the top of the club, each containing a central vertical ridge. A circular stump also protrudes from the top end of the club.


Woman's ear ornament

This ear ornament is composed of a circular cap and a tapered peg which protrudes from the centre. The peg is decorated with carved human figures.


Seated figure

This seated wooden sculpture is about one meter high. The ovoid head, with pointed chin, has a small arrow-shaped incision for a mouth and a long, triangular nose with one continuous hole through it to represent both nostrils.


Male figure

Male figure
view: right

This figure stands on a simple base. He has a small, bulbous forehead, upturned, indented nostrils and slanted oval eyes, underlined with ridges, and a small mouth with tongue protruding. His cheeks and chin are broad, flat extending out over the body.


Flute finial

Flute finial
view: front

This hard wood sculpture of a parrot with a crocodile-like creature on its back has traces of red/orange and white pigment remaining. The stick-like body narrows at the bottom forming the stopper section of this finial.


Mask

Mask
view: front

This mask is a convex ovoid slightly pointed at top and bottom. It has a prominent, hooked nose with one continuous hole through it to represent both nostrils.


Canoe shield mask

Canoe shield mask
view: front

The ovoid mask is concave. Relief carved features and decoration are highlighted in dark red/brown paint. The eyes are large raised disks, the nose a thin ridge, widening towards the tip. Lips are parted in a smile with small disks at the corners, and one top tooth in the centre.