Tekoteko Māori Carved Figure
Updated at 2026-07-27
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Known as a Tekoteko, this traditional Māori carved figure represents an ancestral guardian entrusted with protecting and watching over the tribe. Each figure is carved from native hardwood and is typically inlaid with shimmering pāua shell to create its striking eyes, bringing the sculpture vividly to life. Tekoteko figures are prominently placed at the apex of a Māori meeting house, or Whare, where they symbolize the identity, dignity, and ancestral lineage of the community while also serving to ward off unwelcome visitors.
Name
Tekoteko Māori Carved Figure
Giver
Trevor Maxwell, Councillor, Rotorua Lakes Council Māori Ward
Friendly States
New Zealand
City
Rotorua City, Rotorua Lakes District, Bay of Plenty Region
Language: English, Māori
Area: 2,619 square kilometers
Population: Approx. 78,000 people
Main Industries/Features: Rotorua is one of New Zealand's foremost centers of Māori culture, where dramatic geothermal landscapes are deeply intertwined with Māori history and traditions. Visitors can experience the powerful haka performed inside intricately carved Māori meeting houses and savor the traditional Hāngi feast, slow-cooked for hours using natural geothermal heat. Together, these experiences offer an unforgettable journey through Māori culture for both the eyes and the palate.
Size
10cm*5cm*38cm
Category
Wooden Objects、Carvings
HIGHLIGHTS
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