Wooden Heru (comb) with Antler Inlay - by Shayne O'Neill matau She is depicted as a

She is depicted as a powerful figure who welcomes the souls of the dead to Rarohenga

32cm diameter

and holding a mere or taiaha

A type of tonic when brewed as a tea

stoats and ship rats

Wooden Heru (comb) with Antler Inlay - by Shayne O'Neill matau She is depicted as aHeru (comb) by Shayne O'Neill Wood with antler (deer) inlay About the Heru: Heru were traditionally produced in varying shapes and sizes and were made from wood, and in some instances bone. These combs were highly valued as a personal heirloom and were handed down from one generation to the next. The combs were mostly decorative and held the ptikitiki (top knot) in place. When a comb was broken, it was placed in a swamp or a sacred place for safe