Maihi House Posts of Maori Ancestors

Two large house posts (maihi), Maori People, New Zealand (early…
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Two large house posts (maihi), Maori People, New Zealand (early twentieth century), inlaid pearl shell and trade paint on carved hardwood, 206 cm high (2). The large carved meeting house was usually named after An important ancestor and in most parts of New Zealand, was a symbol of that ancestor. The house itself also represents the body of the koruru, who is the ancestor after whom the house is named. The arms of the koruru are the maihi or sloping bargeboards. These particular examples date to the early part of the twentieth century and show evidence of actual use. Provenance: Private Collection, Sydney

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