Image
This carved ipu ngārahu was used to hold special inks used as part of tā moko (traditional tattooing). Tattoos were reserved for the high-born, who had enough leisure time to undergo the lengthy process, which sometimes took years.
Using this item
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: WE001522
Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.