Tāpoki mata

human history

Tāpoki mata. Wood carving of a stylised human head. Non-traditional, possibly used for entertainment purposes. Section of long cylindrical tree trunk carved to form the head. Carved surface is crudely painted: dark green, white, black, dark orange colours defining the carved facial features. Painted wooden eyeballs move by adjusting nails at temples of the head. Triangular pieces of wood carved at the crown of the head, though some pieces broken off. Long fine natural pandanus strips strung together and attached to represent hair to the back of the carving as well as nailed to the chin (though dyed green) to mimic a beard. Long tuft of horse hair at the centre of the chin to mimic a goatee.

Last Update: 20 Sept 2018
Other Name

Carving of figure (English)

Associated Place

Aitutaki/Cook Islands

Accession Date

1899

Other Id

12871 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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14 Images
carving, 12871, Photographed by Jennifer Carol, digital, 20 Jan 2017, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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