Gallery | Wood Carving | Heru

Heru

Wood Carving

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NZMACI - Takapū thumbnail
NZMACI - Takapū
Te Takapū o Rotowhio
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Commission

Dimensions
Scancode
140mm x 50mm
3904WH
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Description
Heru were produced in varying shapes and sizes and were made from wood, and in some instance’s whalebone. These combs were highly valued as personal heirlooms and were consequently passed down from one generation to the next, often acquiring their own personal names. The combs were mostly decorative and held the pūtikitiki (top knot) in place. When a comb was broken, it was placed in a swamp or some sacred place for safe keeping because the head was the most sacred part of the body and therefore tapu (sacred).