Tekoteko are wooden carved human-like figures commonly representing Maori tribal ancestors and in general protection and guardianship. Historically these figures were placed on the gable of (meeting) houses (wharenui) but there are also freestanding tekoteko.
The tekoteko on the photo right represents Kupe, according to Maori legends the discoverer of New Zealand. This tekoteko is situated on the ‘Te Whare Runanga Marae’ meeting house at Waitangi. (Waitangi is the place where several Maori chiefs signed the Waitangi Treaty with the British Crown in 1840.)
Courtesy photo  by olearyci | Creative …