This modern hei tiki (god figure) represents Ruatepupuke, who is said to have introduced carving to Aotearoa. The hei tiki holds a poupou (carved post). It was made in 2009 from cattle bone, with pāua-shell and goat-horn decorations, by Stacy Gordine (of Ngāti Porou). Celebrated carvers Pine and Hōne Taiapa were Gordine's great-great-uncles.
Using this item
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference:
2010-0025-1
Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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