A Maori waka huia Treasure Box, New Zealand, 19th century,

A Maori waka huia Treasure Box, New Zealand, 19th century, the lidded wood container of ovoid form, the exterior tooled with alternating patterns in low relief, the handles carved into tiki heads each with applied pāua shell eyes, with accompanying letter of provenance from Cameo Corner, Christchurch, dated 1965, 20in x 6 1/2in x 6in (51cm x 16.5cm x 15cm) overall Footnotes: Waka huia such as the present example are treasure boxes ornately decorated using stone tools. Their function is for the the holding important personal possessions, for example hei tiki pendants or huia bird feathers for adornment in the hair. For a similar example, see the collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Reg. No. ME023357). For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com