Art UK has updated its cookies policy. By using this website you are agreeing to the use of cookies. To find out more read our updated Use of Cookies policy and our updated Privacy policy.

Māori Figure
Māori Figure
Māori Figure
Māori Figure

Image credit: Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

How you can use this image

 

This image is available to be shared and re-used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial licence (CC BY-NC).

This image can be reproduced in any way apart from any commercial uses.

Wherever you reproduce the image or an altered version of it, you must attribute the original creators (acknowledge the original artist(s), the person/organisation that took the photograph of the work) and any other stated rights holders.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find more images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Download

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

A wooden Māori figure known as a tekoteko, from a wharenui (meeting house) in New Zealand. It consists of a gable apex finial figure with a short pole extending downward. The naturalistic figure has black painted detailing on its face, brow, eyes, mouth and chin. The representation of a chin tattoo (moko kuia) suggests that this is meant to be a female form. It has carved eyes and is open-mouthed. It might have once had shell inserts in the eyes. There is a carved band of detail down and across the chest and belly. The figure's stylised arms are lifted toward its waist. Tekoteko is a general term which may be used to describe any full figure, whether in relief or three-dimensional. More particularly, it refers to the use of a full figure often placed at the apex of a meeting house and to supporting pole figures.

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Bournemouth

Title

Māori Figure

Medium

wood

Measurements

H 56 x W 9 x D 5 cm

Accession number

:A687 BORGM

Work type

Sculpture

Tags

See a tag that’s incorrect or offensive? Challenge it and notify Art UK.

Help improve Art UK. Tag artworks and verify existing tags by joining the Tagger community.

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Russell-Cotes Road, East Cliff, Bournemouth, Dorset BH1 3AA England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.
View venue