Story: Kūmara

Atua kiato (2nd of 2)

Atua kiato

These atua kiato (wooden god sticks) were erected around kūmara gardens. They were designed to preserve the fertility of the crop by protecting the mauri (life force) of the kūmara.

Using this item

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira
Reference: AM6364

Permission of the Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Peter Adds, 'Kūmara - Religious aspects', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/17373/atua-kiato (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Peter Adds, published 24 Nov 2008