Many people might feel confronted by this figure. Standing high on a post or building, his erect stance, direct stare, and aggressive grimace must have sent an uncompromising message to outsiders. The genitalia and the white bone kotiate club held across his torso signaled his power, strength, and authority. The strong spirals on his shoulders and knees signal the potential for dynamic movement, of action. Tekoteko figures like this typically commemorated significant ancestors or events. They were generally mounted at the apex of gables of the most important buildings in a Māori community: a large meeting house (wharenui) or smaller storehouse (pataka). The height of this figure suggests it belonged to a finely carved storehouse. These smaller buildings, raised on posts, stored preserved foods, community treasures, tools and weapons – items essential to community survival. The stern countenance of this figure was reassuring for its own community; a caution to others.