Both men and women traditionally pierced their ears to display pendants, feathers and other ornaments in them. In this 1840 watercolour by Charles Heaphy, Ngāti Toa chief Te Rangihaeata wears a pōhoi toroa, a ball-shaped ear ornament made of albatross feathers. He also has huia feathers in his hair and is wearing a kahu kiwi (kiwi-feather cloak) denoting his high status.
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Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference:
C-025-022
Watercolour by Charles Heaphy
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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I couldn't get enough of this
Jeannine Hagger (not verified)
04 June 2020
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