Late 19th Century Whakapakoko Atua Godstick

A rare late 19th century whakapakoko atua (Godstick). Whakapakoko Atua were driven into the ground in front of a priest (tohunga), often adorned in feathers or bound in cord. The physical embodiment of the spirit of the gods, these were not worshipped but were an instrument used by the tohunga who vocalised the spirit of the god. Height 30.31 in., width 3.54 in., depth 3.35 in.