Story: Hōkakatanga – Māori sexualities

Papa hou depicting sexual poses (1st of 2)

Papa hou depicting sexual poses

This papa hou (carved box), held in the British Museum, is adorned with an array of male and female figures linked in sexual poses.

Using this item

British Museum
Reference: Oc1964,05.1a and b

© Trustees of the British Museum

Permission of the British Museum must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Clive Aspin, 'Hōkakatanga – Māori sexualities - Sexuality in Māori tradition', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/31692/papa-hou-depicting-sexual-poses (accessed 27 February 2021)

Story by Clive Aspin, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 22 Jan 2019