Hand Carved Upoko Mask 17cm by Thomas Hansen fertility while the North Island species

while the North Island species was restricted to Hen Island in the Hauraki Gulf

with the last accepted twentieth century sighting at Mt Aspiring National Park in 1967

Upon the death of its owner

All unmanaged populations are extinct

serving as a shield and offering protection

Hand Carved Upoko Mask 17cm by Thomas Hansen fertility while the North Island speciesHandcarved in New Zealand by Thomas Hansen This mask is a contemporary version of the art of "moko" (facial tattoo). Moko has evolved from a few simple lines to the full facial designs we see today on carved masks and figures. The two sides of a person's face represent whakapapa (ancestry), or can be a design chosen by the wearer of the moko. 13. 5cm x 17cm x 5cm