Large 30 CM Tekoteko Sculpture Totem with Paua shell eyes/New Zealand wood carving/Oceanian Collectables/Gift idea/Signed H G/Totem

WONDERFUL LARGE TEKOTEKO HAND CARVED WOODEN STATUE FROM NEW ZEALAND.

PAUA SHELL EYES.

NATIVE MATAI TIMBER.

These typical Maori carvings are depicted in a defiant stance with a protruding tongue. The purpose of this stance is to ward of evil and intruders. The eyes of the Tekoteko are made of paua shell which adds to the overall appearance and makes them more lively.

TEKOTEKO MEASUREMENTS:

H 35 CM

W 10 CM APPROX

GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION,SEE PICTURES.

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The most common tekoteko legend is about the chief Ruapupuke (Ruatepupuke) who’s son was taken by Tangaroa, the god of the sea. The reason because the son called Manuruhi did not ask permission to fish nor did he offer the first fish he caught to Tangaroa.

Tangaroa turns him into a wood carving to crown the rooftop of his house deep on the bottom of the ocean. When chief Ruapuke goes to the rescue of his son he discovers Tangaroa’s empty house which is heavily ornated with wood carvings. Some of the human shaped posts (poupou) were talking.

Thus he found out the inhabitants (Tangaroa and the fish) would return at sunset to sleep. The advice of a kuia (female elder) he knew had to block the daylight from entering the house so he would be able to kill them. After doing so Ruapupuke set the house on fire and took his son and some other carvings with him.