Hand Carved Wheku Mask 20.5cm by Thomas Hansen new zealand made 33cm x 47cm x 5cm

33cm x 47cm x 5cm (plus hanging leaf on the base)

It is easily recognized by its long tail which opens to a fan

The puka is also known as akapuka

NZ Totara wood with NZ paua eyes

Hand Carved Wheku Mask 20.5cm by Thomas Hansen new zealand made 33cm x 47cm x 5cmHandcarved in New Zealand by Thomas Hansen NZ Swamp Kauri The wheku (gable mask) sits below the tekoteko (standing figure) on the top of a whare nui (meeting house). The mask can be related to an important ancestor of the house or be symbolic of a story relating to the origins of the carving. A wheku in your home can be seen as a guardian role, with tongue thrust out to challenge whoever enters a room or dwelling. 13cm x 20. 5cm x 5cm About NZ Kauri