Hand Carved Maori Pou Pou

(P02)

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Hand Carved Maori Pou Pou. This amazing example of the Pou Pou. Hand carved and hand painted in Rotorua, New Zealand. The piece is very large and would look incredible on any wall. The pou pou has a hole in the back for easy wall hanging.

Size: The Toki Pou Tangata measures 610mm (24 inches) long, 147mm (5 3/4 inches) wide, 40mm (1 5/8 inch) deep.

Weighs: 1.8Kg / 3.97 lbs.

This Pou Pou carving was hand carved in Rotorua, New Zealand. This high quality carving is shaped and carved using New Zealand native Matai.

Pou Pou

Originally the pou pou or slabs where used to support the heke (rafters) of the Marae or Maori meeting house. They were carved with representations of figures of the main ancestors of the Maori people of New Zealand. Later they lined the walls of Marae and were carved to depict Maori ancestors and to tell tribal stories. This particular carving shows a warrior forebear holding a weapon in battle stance. The moko (facial tattoo) on the warrior's face, is an indication of his chiefly rank.

The Carving Process

Initially the talented carver shapes the timber to approximate dimensions. Then the piece is hand carved using traditional and authentic designs which have been passed down through generations. These design depict tribal and family details.

Once the carving is finished, the piece is then dipped into a stain and sprayed with lacquer ensuring the preservation of the timber. The final step of the process is to add the carvings embellishments such as paua eyes, greenstone, feathers and binding if necessary.

The carvers of these pieces have been trained through Maori carving institutions and have spent a long time perfecting their skills making it possible for them to carve to the detail required to ensure each piece is authentic and that each piece represents a part of the history of Maroidom.