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Story: Traditional Māori games – ngā tākaro

Karetao (puppet), early 1800s

Karetao (puppet), early 1800s

The arms of this karetao (puppet) were attached to its body by a cord passed through holes in its shoulders.  The puppeteer held the karetao by the handle at the base and moved the arms by pulling strings.

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Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Reference: ME023983

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Ross Calman, Traditional Māori games – ngā tākaro – Flying kites, spinning tops and other games, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/object/39358/karetao-puppet-early-1800s (accessed 8 June 2026).

Story by Ross Calman, published 30 November 2012.