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Ancient carved 'whata' or store at Waitahanui Pah

image © South Australian Museum | All Rights Reserved

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Date

1844

Artist

George French Angas (1822-1886)

Collection

South Australian Museum

Description

The carved pataka is in the abandoned pa (fortified village) of Waitahanui. The pataka is a raised and enclosed storehouse for food and or valuables. The intricate carving on the paepae which is the bottom beam runs the length of the threshhold and maihi (sloping barge boards), often refers to symbolism that represent being plentiful. In this example the carved detail also extends to the crossbeams beneath. Such an ornately carved pataka indicated wealth, knowledge and prestige. Behind are large palisade posts and stakes from the fortified fence that surrounds the village. A raupo whare (house) is in the background and a child and a women wearing a tihetihe (cape) are seated next to the pataka.
Credit line: AA8/7/39, GF Angas, South Australian Museum.

Image Licence

All Rights Reserved

Image Credit

image © South Australian Museum

Location

Waitahanui, Waikato, New Zealand

Country

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© 2024 Watercolour World | Technology by The Museum Platform

© 2024 Watercolour World | Technology by The Museum Platform