• Maori large papa hou carved in New Zealand and available from Silver Fern Gallery
  • top view of Maori large papa hou carved in New Zealand and available from Silver Fern Gallery
  • detail of Maori large papa hou carved in New Zealand and available from Silver Fern Gallery
  • depicting lid of Maori large papa hou carved in New Zealand and available from Silver Fern Gallery
  • lid of Maori large papa hou carved in New Zealand and available from Silver Fern Gallery
  • inside of Maori large papa hou carved in New Zealand and available from Silver Fern Gallery
  • end carving of Maori large papa hou carved in New Zealand and available from Silver Fern Gallery
1 7

silverferngallery

Carved Papa Hou - by Wood Masters

$2,900.00 NZD
$2,900.00 NZD
Sale Sold
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Papahou

Carved in New Zealand from hardwood

65cm x 19cm x 14cm


About Papa Hou:

Waka huia and papa hou are treasure containers for storing prized personal possessions, such as hei tiki, feathers for decorating the hair, and other items of personal adornment. Waka huia and papa hou were imbued with the tapu (taboo) of their owners because they contained personal items that regularly came into contact with the body, particularly the head (the most tapu part of the body).

Waka huia and papa hou were highly prized in themselves and carefully treasured as they passed between generations. As taonga, waka huia and papa hou were often gifted to acknowledge relationships, friendships, and other significant social events.