HAEHAE

The patu is a representation of Mataora and his actions toward his wife, Niwareka.  Mataora became enraged with jealousy at Niwareka’s beauty, and struck Niwareka. She retreated to her people back home in Rarohenga.  The whakarei or haehae/pākati design on the patu is tuarā-kuri. The haehae lines are the scarring inflicted on Niwareka from the actions of Mataora. The tuarā-kuri pattern represents the raising of the hackles along the neck and back of a dog when it becomes angry and is likened here to the rage of Mataora toward Niwareka.

The base is a representation of Mataora’s journey to Rarohenga to seek forgiveness from her family for the abuse he inflicted upon her.  The hole in the front is the gateway to Rarohenga and is the journey from the light to darkness. The kōwhaiwhai designs are the paint/whenua that Mataora adorned his face with, before embarking on his journey to find her

RINGATOI/ARTIST: Te Awatea Pawa
HAPŪ: Ngāti Manawa, Te Rarawa
SIZE: W: 400mm H: 200mm D: 210mm
RAUEMI/MATERIALS: Patu: Kauri, Muka and Toroa Feathers. Base: Kāhikatea, Kokowai and stain