View Te Ara in

Story: Kūmara

Atua kiato (2nd of 2)

Atua kiato

These atua kiato (wooden god sticks) were erected around kūmara gardens. They were designed to preserve the fertility of the crop by protecting the mauri (life force) of the kūmara.

About this item

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira
Reference: AM6364

Permission of the Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

How to cite this page:

Peter Adds. 'Kūmara', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 1-Mar-09
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/kumara/4/2/2