Wooden Heru (comb) with Antler Inlay - by Shayne O'Neill

Heru (comb) by Shayne O'Neill

Wood with antler (deer) inlay

About the Heru:

Heru were traditionally produced in varying shapes and sizes and were made from wood, and in some instance’s bone. These combs were highly valued as a personal heirloom and were handed down from one generation to the next.  The combs were mostly decorative and held the pūtikitiki (top knot) in place. When a comb was broken, it was placed in a swamp or a sacred place for safe keeping because the head is the most sacred part of the body and therefore tapu (sacred). 

Measurements: 20cm x 3.5cm x 0.6cm