Puiaki - Carved Knowledge

Waka huia are carved wooden treasure boxes shaped like a waka. Highly prized by Māori, they were used to store huia feathers and other tapu adornments worn by high-born people.

During the late 19th and early 20th Centuries many waka huia were taken from New Zealand and traded or sold on the European ‘Curios and Collectables’ market. This exhibition showcased waka huia purchased and traded in England and tell the story of their eventual return to New Zealand.