Elaborate Maori carvings are not religious. They are instead secular. Rather than idols, the carvings represent renowned ancestors and activities of the tribe. Many carvings are also purely ornamental with no specific meaning.

At first glance, one might think it is the same design as http://www.pbase.com/britestar/image/113531270; however, the carver was a different individual; as was the ancestor this figure represents.

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