Maori Mythology

The Gods and Spirits of New Zealand

HUKERE

Maori Dead God

Also known as Hukere-Nui

Picture of the Maori Dead God Hukere from our Maori mythology image library. Illustration by Chas Saunders.

Guardian God of Bone Scraping

He is involved with the cleaning of bones. This might sound like something from a novel by Stephen King, but don’t worry, there is no sinister angle.

In Maori culture, the dead are only buried for a while before being dug up again to have their bones scraped clean. Such sticklers for hygiene.

Actually, there’s more to it than that. Once the bones are nice and clean, they are deposited in a dedicated receptacle (an ossary) and then placed in a special location for safe-keeping.

Hukere is just the deity to help with this process. He offers a calm, discreet and spotless service. After his work is done, the only bone-cleaning necessary can be done with a feather duster.

Hukere Facts and Figures

Name: Hukere
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Hukere-Nui

Gender: Male
Type: God
Area or people: Maori people of Polynesia
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role:
In charge of: the Dead
Area of expertise: The Dead

Good/Evil Rating: NEUTRAL, may not care
Popularity index: 5394

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Article last revised on April 30, 2019 by the Godchecker data dwarves.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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