Story: Māori and museums – ngā whare taonga

Tangonge at Te Ahu

Tangonge at Te Ahu

Tangonge (also known as the Kaitāia Lintel) is a great taonga (treasure) for the tribes of Northland. One of the oldest Māori carvings in existence, it is believed to date from between the 14th and 16th centuries. It was discovered in 1920 when Lake Tangonge, between Kaitāia and Ahipara, was drained. Usually displayed in the Auckland Museum, in 2012 Tangonge travelled back to Tai Tokerau. After a reception at Pukepoto marae it was displayed at Te Ahu Heritage Centre for several years. 

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Te Ahu Heritage
Photograph by Don Hammond

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How to cite this page:

Paora Tapsell, 'Māori and museums – ngā whare taonga - The challenges of the new century, 1997 onwards', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/44123/tangonge-at-te-ahu (accessed 28 April 2024)

Story by Paora Tapsell, published 22 Oct 2014