Story: Ngārara – reptiles

‘Whakapakoko III’

‘Whakapakoko III’

This clay sculpture, ‘Whakapakoko III’, by Manos Nathan, is a contemporary take on traditional burial chests (whakapakoko), which contained bones and were placed in burial caves. Between the hands of the figure is a lizard, both a guardian and a symbol of misfortune.

Courtesy of Manos Nathan and the Tinakori Gallery.

Using this item

Tinakori Gallery
Sculpture by Manos Nathan

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How to cite this page:

Bradford Haami, 'Ngārara – reptiles - Guardians or enemies?', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/12939/whakapakoko-iii (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Bradford Haami, published 24 Sep 2007