MOKOMOKAI

Toi moko, or mokomokai, are the preserved heads of Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, where the faces have been decorated by tā moko tattooing. They became valuable trade items during the Musket Wars of the early 19th century. Many toi moko were taken from their family and homeland as trophies. Repatriation efforts are underway by Te Papa and Te Herekiekie Haerehuka Herewini to return toi moko to their descendants.