Maori War Canoe Model with Intricate Carvings

A rare model waka taua, Maori war canoe, of carved wood, with a raised stern (taurapa) displaying an ancestral figure in high relief, the prow (tauihu) distinguished by a projecting carved figure with paua inlaid eyes and a protruding defiant tongue probably depicting Tumatauenga, the god of war. The hull is decorated with intricately carved koru and inset with iridescent paua eyes. The different sections being held together by fibre strings. Waka Taua were truly impressive vessels, that could reach up to 40 metres long and were extensively ornamented. They were used to transport warriors in times of conflict and were statements of power and prestige. Their models would include accurate details of the full-sized originals and May have been used for ritual funeral purposes, height 38 cm, length 123 cm, width 18 cm