This is the second of Gecko's design using a base of five small tikis holding up the mug. This one, Da Big Puka, has a Ku-like look. This is a custom version with dark cherrywood finish, green stone (jade) glazed eyes, and intricate Maori carved details. The traditional reddish Maori stain was achieved with red ochre. The mythological origin of this important colour is as follows. There was much blood shed during the separation of Earth and Heaven, the primaeval parents. The blood of Heaven is sometimes seen as a red glow in the sky. The Maori call it papakura and they look to it for signs and omens. The blood of Earth and Heaven, flowed together and became deposits of red clay. This is the origin of kokowai, the sacred red of the Maori. It is utilised in a number of traditional ceremonies. When applied in conjunction with a karakia (prayer) it becomes tapu. The kokowai was burned in a fire, ground into a fine powder and mixed with shark oil to make paint. This paint was then used as a stain.