Antique Maori Carved Box with Rauponga and Manaia Motifs

Large antique carved lidded Maori box. The lid and sides decorated in rauponga patterns and manaia motifs with two wheku figures carved in high relief forming a raised handle. The box is reputed to have originated in Manawatu in the late 19th to early 20th century and was custom built for its owner with carved initials Ebs integrated into the lid carving. Provenance: Mr Edward B Shand's second wife, Elsie (Nee Hemmings) then gifted to her great niece c.1957. Height 16 cm, width 38 cm, depth 22 cm