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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Treasure Box (Wakahuia or Papahou)
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Treasure Box (Wakahuia or Papahou)

Artist/Maker (New Zealand)
Date19th century
Mediumwood, stain and haliotis shell
DimensionsOverall: 22 3/4 x 8 3/4 x 6 5/8 in. (57.8 x 22.2 x 16.8 cm)
ClassificationsContainers
Credit LineGift of The Rubin - Ladd Foundation
Terms
    Object number2005.43.26
    DescriptionRichly carved containers for valued personal items were found in the homes of chiefs. This box held treasures such as feathers that were symbols of status, jade or bone objects, or musical instruments such as flutes. The treasure boxes were suspended from ceiling beams by means of the lugs carved at either end; hence the careful carving of the bottom surface which was clearly visible from below. In the center, in raised carving, is a human figure (tiki) in characteristic form with shell- inlaid eyes. Disembodied tiki heads with inlaid eyes form the handles on each end. The rest of the surface is covered by basic elements of the Maori style: the double spiral, the spiral with elongated stem (koru) typically doubled, and parallel ridges with rows of “dog teeth” notching in between (rauponga).
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Beau Dick
    1989
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Beau Dick
    1988
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bamana people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Aztec
    ca. 1350-1521
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ibibio people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 800-300 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Dan people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    ca. 200-1550 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    1900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    1900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    1900