An ipu whenua was traditionally used to contain the placenta of a newborn baby, and was then buried in a special place. Ipu whenua were originally made from gourds. This replica was carved in tōtara wood by Jacob Heberley of Te Āti Awa.
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Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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