Small Māori Waka Taua War Canoe - Ornament or Trophy

This small 230mm (9") long Maori War Canoe (Waka Taua) is a beautiful ornament, a fabulous souvenir of New Zealand, and a stunning trophy.

The waka has a macrocarpa hull.  The prow and stern (tauihu and taurapa) are beautifully embellished with intricate native paua shell inlay.

The tauihu of a waka taua was traditionally carved as a figurehead to represent a spiritual guardian or god, helping to part the waters and keep the crew safe.  The beautifully carved taurapa acted as a counterweight, and a symbol of the tribe's mana (prestige).

The waka is incredibly finely detailed, and made in Rotorua, New Zealand.

It comes to you in a sturdy mailing tube.  Inside, the canoe is in 3 parts - the body of the canoe, the taurapa, and the base.  They join together super easily - just make sure you give the taurapa a wee push into its slot.  On the outside of the mailing tube is more information from the Māori designer about the history of the waka taua.

The base can have a gold or black engravable plaque attached, to turn this beautiful ornament into a trophy.

Should you wish to go ahead with engraving, plus select the option you want, and then in the box that will pop up, enter up to 7 words you would like engraved.  Engraving takes 2-3 days.  Please note that engraved items cannot be returned, except for the unlikely event of us getting the engraving wrong.

Proudly made in New Zealand, and shipped worldwide.