This carved pou is Tamatea, an important ancestor for Ngāti Kahungunu. In his hand he holds a hoe (paddle) symbolising his name, Tamatea pōkai whenua, referring to his circumnavigation of New Zealand. Ancestors such as Tamatea are important as they set the foundations for the whānau, creating links among the present generations.
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Te Tumu Herenga Waka Marae, Victoria University of Wellington
All rights to images of this marae are held by Te Tumu Herenga Waka Marae, Victoria University of Wellington
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