Mid 20th century carved Maori wooden box with paua inlay.
Label inside reading "Genuine Carved Maori Tapu"
100 mm x 100 mm x 45 mm
Tapu is the strongest force in Māori life. It has numerous meanings and references. Tapu can be interpreted as 'sacred', or defined as 'spiritual restriction', containing a strong imposition of rules and prohibitions. A person, object or place that is tapu may not be touched or, in some cases, not even approached.