Image of a pataka, or storehouse, taken during a visit to the ‘Maori: Leurs trésors ont une âme’ (Their treasures have a Soul) exhibition currently on at Musée du Quai Branly in Paris, until January 22.
‘Extra food was stored in a ‘pataka’ (storehouse), generally decorated with carvings which made reference to fertility, or to a generous food supply. The pataka was mounted on piles, usually several feet from the ground, and situated within the marae area. Within the pataka were stocked preserved goods – dried fish, flesh, and also weapons or mats. It symbolised the rich resources of the tribal chief, and was a source of great mana (prestige) to the tribe. Only war canoes were second to the pataka in prestigious ranking. The pataka was usually tapu (under sacred protection).’ Source: NZ history site
