jan 1, 1840 - 1840 Hau ki Tūranga, Gisborne

Description:

Carved by Raharuhi Rukupō, this whare whakairo is an example of a time when pakeha technology such as iron in Aotearoa enabled the strong sculptural application of high relief tūpuna forms. The carvings also relate to the influences of the church in Māori communities with many reflecting biblical names such Raharuhi or Lazarus alongside descendants of tūpuna of Rongowhakaata.

The kōwhaiwhai in the whare are one of the most extensive and complex in design in one space. The Whare has endured a tough history of being confiscated by the Crown in 1867 where it was dismantled three times before arriving at Te Papa Tongarewa. It is considered as one of the greatest treasures in Aotearoa.

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