More Views of Maori Box

These additional photos from Neil Dahlmann, RC of Highland Park, D6440

With notes from RGHF Secretary Norm Winterbottom, New Zealand

The Maori name for the wooden box referred to here is <waka huia>. It is the treasure box of a chief (rangitira) or family (hapu).

Prior to European settlement Maori had no knowledge of metals. The intricate carving usually related to part of the genealogy of a tribe (iwi or hapu) and was done with stone implements.

The waka huia was handed down from generation to generation and possessed a sacred power (tapu). It was usually kept in the chief's sleeping hut (whare). The long tail feather of the huia bird kept in this box was a prized possession and was worn in the chief's hair as a symbol of authority (mana).

The eyes on the carved figures are made from Paua shell (abalone).

Posted 3 June 2009 by RGHF webmaster Jack Selway

This ongoing project is the work of RGHF historian Basil Lewis, first posted 7 April 2006 This section is maintained by RGHF webmaster Paul D. McLain. If you can help identify or supply more information about anything on this page, please contact us at www.historycomment.org

We acknowledge the assistance of DG 11/12 David Templin, ROTARY/One (RGHF Member), Neil Dahlmann of Rotary Club of Highland Park in District 6440, and Jack Selway, USA, with providing photos used in this section.

After you see the museum office, meet his partners and office workers at Harris Dodds & Brown. (A page of photographs of the actual office in the early 2000's)

Learn more about tours of Rotary International Headquarters
Maori Box

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