Head, 18th century, 10 9/16 x 6 1/16 x 5 15/16 in. ( x x cm) (head only), Wood, New Zealand, 18th century, Elaborately carved heads such as this one were mounted on poles and used to mark territorial boundaries. Called rahui, each head served as a warning to trepassers that they were entering the land of another clan. The face is carved into a stern, serious expression, befitting its role as a cautionary signal. It used to have shell inlay in its eyes, which gave them lifelike flash and fire

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Size: 4570px × 4567px
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Photo credit: © Penta Springs / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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