| Native Name | Upoko Whakairo |
| Object Number | 52-35-1 |
| Current Location | Collections Storage |
| Culture | Maori |
| Provenience | New Zealand |
| Period | Te Huringa I Period |
| Date Made | 1800 - 1900 CE |
| Section | Oceanian |
| Materials | Wood | Abalone Shell |
| Technique | Carved |
| Iconography | Human Head |
| Description | Upoko whakairo (carved head) made of wood, carved with full moko (Māori tattoo). The head has pāua (abalone) eyes and an opening at the back. Tā moko, Māori tattooing, is complex and sacred. For men, the facial tattoos are divided into eight sections of the face. Each section indicates something different about the man's position in society, ancestry, marital status, or accomplishments. Facial tattooing for women (moko kauae) is generally only on the lips and chin. |
| Length | 26.5 cm |
| Width | 14 cm |
| Credit Line | Gift of Anonymous Donor, 1952 |
| Other Number | 0115 - Cast Number |
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