This pou (carved post) in Te Herenga Waka marae at Victoria University of Wellington shows Tītokowaru holding a musket. It recognises the great ability of the Ngā Ruahine prophet as a military leader and strategist. Beneath his feet are two heads. The one on the left represents George Bowen, who was Governor of New Zealand when George Whitmore, commandant of the New Zealand Armed Constabulary, put a price of £1,000 on the head of Tītokowaru, and £5 for every ‘rebel’ captured alive. In return, Tītokowaru placed two shillings and sixpence on Bowen’s head. The head on the right is Major Gustavus von Tempsky, who was killed by Tītokowaru’s men at Te Ngutu-o-te-manu.
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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