Tangaroa maquette
Maker
Frank Szirmay
Current rights
© In copyright
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Object detail
Description
A maquette of Tangaroa. Head band with feather on left hand side. The right hand is holding a taiaha which is also lying across the left shoulder. The left arm is fully extended and holding a patu. The figure is in a bent over position with right foot in front of the left foot. The left foot is at right angles to right foot. The figure is wearing a loin cloth. Standing on a greenstone slab with a silver plaque bottom left hand corner that reads: "'TANGAROA'. Presented by R A Owens, Mayor, to Tauranga District Museum, in honour of the visit of Sir Denis and Lady Blundell for opening on May 2nd 1977." Tangaroa - God of ocean, the ruler of the sea and all life that is therein. Child of Rangi and Papa-Heaven and Earth. Tangaroa signifies fish of every kind.
A full sized statue stands in the Tauranga Harbour entrance. It was commissioned by Robert (later Sir Robert) Owens in 1976 to commemorate the centenary of the Port of Tauranga.
A full sized statue stands in the Tauranga Harbour entrance. It was commissioned by Robert (later Sir Robert) Owens in 1976 to commemorate the centenary of the Port of Tauranga.
Maker
Frank Szirmay
Production place
New Zealand
Measurements
610mm (height), 400mm (depth), 230mm (width)
Credit line
Gifted by R. Owens
Accession number
1805/85
Current rights