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Head (Parata)

Arts of the Pacific Islands

CULTURE Maori
MEDIUM Wood
DATES 18th or 19th century
DIMENSIONS 6 1/2 x 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 in. (16.5 x 13.3 x 13.3 cm)  (show scale)
MARKINGS Painted in red on neck: "963"
ACCESSION NUMBER 74.124
CREDIT LINE Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Friede
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Wooden head with elaborate curvilinear incised moko (tattoo) marks on the entire surface of the face. The wood is a dark brown and a glossy patina. The nose, eyes, and mouth are indicated. Carved on the back of the head is a complete manaia figure in relief. The profile head of the manaia is bird-like with a beak shaped mouth and two fang-like teeth indicated. The arms are outstretched and terminate in claw-like hands with three fingers on each hand. The torso is that of a human. The thighs are feather-like in shape and the legs are in a crouched position. The head, arms, and thighs all have elaborate curvilinear incised markings. Condition: Very good. The lower part of the left leg has been broken off. There is a drilled hole (probably for mounting) in the base of the manaia figure. There is a fairly deep square hole in the top back of the head, and a small square shaped area is also missing just above this. There are nicks and checks on the back of the head, and nicks on the manaia figure. Ex-collection (?): piece has 963 painted in red on neck.
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
CAPTION Maori. Head (Parata), 18th or 19th century. Wood, 6 1/2 x 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 in. (16.5 x 13.3 x 13.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Friede, 74.124. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 74.124_bw_SL3.jpg)
IMAGE overall, 74.124_bw_SL3.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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