House Panel, c. 1880
Pāoa Māoriexpand_more
Wood, shellexpand_more
The Frances M. Norbeck Fundexpand_more 2000.137
On View in Gallery 256expand_more
The Maori people decorated their communal houses with intricately carved panels of ancestral figures like this one. The higher the quality of the carving, the greater the prestige of the community and the honor to the spirits memorialized.
The Maori rely upon important ancestors to protect and assist their descendants. In this example, one can see the spirits' vitality and strength. They stand upright, facing outwards towards the viewer, and have extended tongues, a sign of potency. Shell inlay set in the eyes gives the figures further energy and life.
Details
- Title
- House Panel
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2000.137
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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