Late 19th Century Carved Ngati Tarawhai Model Pataka Showcase

An impressive late 19th century carved ngati tarawhai model Pataka (Storehouse). The paepae carved with wheku heads and manaia. The amo carved with ancestral figures with paua shell eyes. The mahi with interweaving koru designs in low relief terminating in raparapa with takarangi spirals. The mahi centered by a carved tekoteko figure surmounting a smaller figure, each with paua shell eyes. A similar model pataka by Tene Waitere is held in the British Museum collection. Another similar model pataka was sold by Dunbar Sloane in 2003 - part of the John Gow collection sale. Provenance: Private Collection Otago, 77 x 85 cm