Story: Pacific migrations

A gourd used by Māori

A gourd used by Māori

Polynesian settlers to New Zealand brought two South American plants, the kūmara and the gourd. Māori ate the young fruit of the gourd, or hue, in summer, baking it in an earth oven. Hollowed out, the matured fruit provided water vessels and food containers. Because gourds were more difficult to grow in the South Island, seaweed and bark vessels were commonly used there. Empty gourds were also made into musical instruments.

Using this item

Canterbury Museum
Reference: E160.82

Permission of Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Geoff Irwin, 'Pacific migrations - Māori ancestors', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/1789/a-gourd-used-by-maori (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Geoff Irwin, published 8 Feb 2005, reviewed & revised 8 Feb 2017