Te mwae ni wi n aomata

human history

Te mwae ni wi n aomata. Neck ornament of human teeth. This is made of two material components: dark brown te ira n atu (human hair) and wi n aomata (human teeth). The series of wi n aomata range in type defining the area of the human jaw it was obtained from. A small perforation has been drilled into the root end of each tooth pendant where a where a loose braid of te ira n atu has been threaded through. The wi n aomata range in off-white colour, many showing darkened areas and some even featuring a hollow opening near the root end. This mwae (neck ornament) consists of forty seven wi n aomata and an extra six that have been left loose frmo the mwae. Extensions of braided te ira n atu feature at both ends of the mwae and have been left unfastend. These types of te mwae (Neck ornaments) can symbolise the victory of a battle, often obtaining the teeth of their opponent. In contrast to this, the teeth could also be obtained from ones ancestors to keep them close by.

Nama tāpiringa: 1936.295 Whakahounga o Mua: 30 Nov 2018
Ingoa Kōrero Noa

Adornment

Ingoa Kē

Neck ornament of human teeth (English)

Accession Number

1936.295

Rā Tāpiringa

1936

Tohu Tuakiri Kē

22917 (ethnology)

141 (Maude Collection)

Wāhanga

Pacific

Uiuitia Tirohanga API