Toa hei Tapahu

Made in the Wairarapa, these delicately hand-painted, solid lead figurines are created by a local family. Beautifully made, using their own moulds, their emphasis has always been on New Zealand themes. From the Old New Zealand range. Taranaki and East Coast Wars 1865-1872 Warrior wearing a tapahu, a war mat made from the skin of the kuri, the dog now extinct that was introduced to New Zealand by the Maori. These were made by sewing whole skins together. He holds a mere pounamu. Adornments include a heitiki made of pounamu around his neck, hei taringa in his ear and Albatross feathers in his hair. The facial tattooing known as moko, involved a lengthy and painful process of carving the skin. Size: H 70mm approx Weight: 100g Come with their own box.