Art Funded by you

Tau-rapa (war canoe stern-piece)

Unknown artist, c. 1850

British Museum, London

This carved wooden stern-ornament of a Maori canoe depicting two ribs, scroll-work and two human figures. It is of unusual height and an excellent example of Maori art. The Maoris considered canoes to represent the body of an ancestor and to be highly sacred. The imposing end piece includes the prescribed elements of two ribs, scroll-work and two human figures. One of the figures faces forward, as though to cover the attack and one faces behind for defence. Stern-pieces like these were decorated with feathers and streamers. Contact with a canoe was restricted to men, specifically to carvers and warriors.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Tau-rapa (war canoe stern-piece), c. 1850

Date supported

1921

Medium and material

Wood & haliotis shell

Dimensions

210 x 30 cm

Grant

35

Total cost

35

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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