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History

Weku is any carved figure in which slanting eyes are present

This mask is the head of this figure

The glistening paua (abalone) shell eyes, the open mouth and the protruding tongue showed as expression of ferocious defiance. The out-thrust tongue could also be an expression of magic and provided at least some protection from evil forces.

The eyebrows, eyes, lips and tongue become of great importance to the carver, while the nose is relatively of less importance and the chin is often absent.

A similar type of mask was often at the apex of meeting houses.

The particular He Weku carving is made out of a New Zealand native timber called kahiketea.

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