Story: Moriori

The god Hatitimatangi

The god Hatitimatangi

This figure of the Moriori god Hatitimatangi was found in a cave in the 19th century. The holes in the chin may have been drilled for the attachment of a beard. It is the only example of Moriori wood sculpture known to have survived.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: I.006386
Photograph by Brian Brake

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:

Denise Davis and Māui Solomon, 'Moriori - The migrations from Hawaiki', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/1615/the-god-hatitimatangi (accessed 28 March 2024)

Story by Denise Davis and Māui Solomon, published 8 Feb 2005, updated 1 Mar 2017