An intricately carved Maori wooden canoe prow 'Tauihu' by master carver James Rickard the two large spirals, in the centre are named Takarangi, taka meaning the curve and rangi is to divide. Celestial navigation relies on the navigators' understanding of certain constellations and the curvature of the earth. the curves have been divided to allow the sky to be seen and the figure bewteen is there to join the two spirals together. These pirals are symbolic of the four major ocean currents of the Pacific which were used by the Polynesians, in traversing it. the front figure depicts Tangaroa who is the guardian of the Ocean. Height 61 cm. Width 61 cm, length 168 cm.