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Story: Hōkakatanga – Māori sexualities

Sexual symbolism on a waka huia

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Sexual symbolism on a waka huia

The lid of this waka huia (treasure box) shows male and female figures engaged in sexual intercourse. Sexual symbolism was often incorporated into Māori carving.

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Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Reference: OL000003

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

Clive Aspin, Hōkakatanga – Māori sexualities – Sexuality in Māori tradition, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/object/31693/sexual-symbolism-on-a-waka-huia (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Clive Aspin, published 28 April 2011, updated 22 January 2019.