Maori Wood Carving. Teko Teko Hinemoa. This Teko Teko is a carved depiction of local Rotorua legend Tutanekai. 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. Hand-Carved from Native Timber. Carvings can vary slightly depending on the carver. 300mm x 95mm. TekoTeko is the name for the carved figure at the apex of the Maori wharenui or meeting house. |