Hand Carved Tekoteko 39cm by Thomas Hansen

Wooden tekoteko hand carved in New Zealand by Thomas Hansen.

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.  

9cm x 39cm x 9cm