Treasure Box (Waka huia)

ClassificationsContainers

Culture Māori

Date19th to 20th Century

Made AtNew Zealand

MediumWood

DimensionsBox and lid (a,b): 3 3/4 × 13 1/2 in. (9.5 × 34.3 cm)
a: 10 1/4 × 3 1/4 × 3/4 in. (26 × 8.3 × 1.9 cm)

Credit LineJordan Community Trust and Bowers Museum Purchase

Object number2002.18.2a,b

DescriptionThis ornately carved lidded box was used to store personal valuables and ornamentations. Personal ornamentations were intimately associated with the head (the most sacred part of the body) and carried supernatural powers, requiring careful handling and preservation when not being worn. This beautifully carved treasure box was designed to be suspended from the rafters of a house to keep the contents safe and out of reach. For this reason, the underside of the box is as intricately carved as the sides and top.

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