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Story: Traditional Māori religion – ngā karakia a te Māori

Whakapakoko atua

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Whakapakoko atua

Whakapakoko atua (god sticks) had a pointed end so they could be inserted into the ground. They were used as temporary shrines for a particular god, to assist tohunga in priestly rites. They helped make resources abundant.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Reference: B.001173

by Augustus Hamilton

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Basil Keane, Traditional Māori religion – ngā karakia a te Māori – Tūāhu and wāhi tapu, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/object/30823/whakapakoko-atua (accessed 25 June 2026).

Story by Basil Keane, published 28 April 2011.