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Marakihau-style carving

Marakihau-style carving

Marakihau-style carving

This epa (house post) was discovered in Waitara, Taranaki, in 1919. The figure at the top is a marakihau, sometimes described as a sea taniwha . However, some view it as an ancestor with the bulbous head, three fingers, and serpentine body that reflects the Māori view that humans had amphibious origins.

About this item

Puke Ariki - Taranaki Museum & Library
Reference: A77.330
Carving by Te Tuiti-Moeroa

This item must not be copied or reproduced in any print or electronic media without the prior permission of Puke Ariki Museum and Library. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.




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