condensed discuss document expanded export feedback print share remove reset document_white enquire_white export_white report_white

Collections Online

Collections record

discuss document export feedback print share gallery-landscape xml

Tāpoki mata

human history
  • Other Name

    Carving of figure (English)

  • Description

    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.

  • Place
    Aitutaki/Cook Islands
  • Associated Place

    Aitutaki/Cook Islands

  • Accession Date
    1899
  • Other Id

    12871 (ethnology)

  • Department

    Pacific

carving, 12871, Photographed by Jennifer Carol, digital, 20… … Read more

Images and documents

Images

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

Artefact

The development of the Auckland War Memorial Museum online collection is an ongoing process; updates, new images and records are added weekly. In some cases, records have yet to be confirmed by Museum staff, and there could be mistakes or omissions in the information provided.

The gift of curiosity

With unlimited free entry to all paid exhibitions, discounted event tickets and exclusive Member-only events, a Museum Membership is the gift that keeps on giving year-round.

SEE OPTIONS FROM $60

The gift of curiosity