Wooden Moko Mask Wall Art

Wooden Moko Mask Wall Art.

Maoris, the original people of New Zealand, honour their ancestors. This woodcarving is of an ancestor and would have been found on a Maori meeting house.

The mask looks very fierce - the mouth is open, with the tongue sticking out and the eyes protruding. The expression is aggressive and looks like the grimaces that Maoris make during war dances.

The lines on this mask mirror Maori tattoos, which, traditionally they had on their faces to make them look fierce, and so scare off their enemies. Today some Maori people are reviving this tradition as they try to preserve their culture and identity.

Size (mm): 165 H x 95 W

Handmade from Mahogany wood.