Hand Carved Tekoteko 27cm by Thomas Hansen

Wooden tekoteko hand carved in New Zealand by Thomas Hansen.

The tiaha is adorned with NZ possum fur.  It is 17cm long, and is removable.  

The wood is stained with a dark stain, and the highlights shown in the piupiu is the natural colour of the wood.  

9.5cm x 27cm x 5cm

Tekoteko is the term used for a carved human form which can be either freestanding, attached to the gable of a whare (house) or carved into the central poles of the great meeting houses. Tekoteko are often carved in a defiant stance with a protruding tongue, and holding a mere or taiaha, to ward off intruders. Tekoteko often have eyes made of paua shell and can range in size from a few inches to the full height of a building.