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| M05094 - Teko Teko Tutanekai. Wooden Teko Teko (Maori Hand-Carved Figure) |
| Wood Carving. This Teko Teko is a carved depiction of Tutanekai from the legend of Hinemoa and Tutanekai. Measures 360mm x 95mm. In Maori folklore, the romance between Hinemoa and Tutanekai has been told for generations. Hinemoa and Tutanekai were from different Rotorua tribes and were ordered to stop courting by their feuding families. Tutanekai's tribe lived on Mokoia Island in Lake Rotorua and Hinemoa lived on the mainland. One moonlit night Tutanekai played his flute which guided Hinemoa as she swam the lake to be with him on Mokoia Island, where they stayed together.The Teko Teko is a carved representation of Maori tribal ancestors and is found in and around meeting houses. These figures also represent guardianship and protection. The eyes of our teko teko have been cut from the shell of the paua, a shellfish found in New Zealand waters. |
Maori Art Gallery 
