Whakapakoko atua (god sticks) had a pointed end so they could be inserted into the ground. They were used as temporary shrines for a particular god, to assist tohunga in priestly rites. They helped make resources abundant.
Using this item
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference:
B.001173
Photograph by Augustus Hamilton
Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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