A superb small lintel or pare (also known as korupe) from a marae, the meeting-house or from a pataka, the chiefly treasure and food storage house. The central figure, represents an important, deified, asexual ancestor. The lateral extremities are boldly carved as large profile heads of manaia, the spirit messanger. The red paint is associated with the sacred world and all items or people colored in kura, the Maori word for red, were considered to be tapu, or taboo.

Maori People, Central North Island, possibly the area of Rotorua, New Zealand, Polynesia. Kauri pine wood (agathis australis) and red pigment, called kokowai, which is obtained by mixing finely ground natural ochre with shark-liver oil. 70 x 29.5 x 7.8 cm. Early te huringa period (The Turning), circa 1850. Provenance: Originally acquired by John Jacobs at Rotorua and brought to Australia upon his retirement circa 1892. Acquired from Galerie Valuet, Paris. Ex private collection, Paris.