Carved Kotiate - 33cm by Wood Masters mask but it is rarely seen

but it is rarely seen except by those who specifically seek it out

Declared extinct by the Department of Conservation in 2008

They can be observed feeding solitarily or in large congregations

The nails in the timber have been retained for unique detail

Tūtānekai lived on Mokoia Island in Lake Rotorua

Carved Kotiate - 33cm by Wood Masters mask but it is rarely seenKotiate Maori weapon Carved in New Zealand from Tulipwood 33cm x 12. 5cm x 2. 5cm Stock photo Wood grain may vary About Kotiate: The kotiate was a prized weapon and also used by chiefs when speech making. It is a curiously shaped weapon noted for the carved notches on the blade. The notches were used in a ripping action. The word kotiate literally means 'to divide, split in two'.