There are a diverse collection of objects that represent the

culture and history of the Maori people of New Zealand. These artefacts vary in

type, style, and function, and include the following:

Weapons: Maori weapons were traditionally made from wood,

bone, and stone, and included clubs, spears, and weapons with serrated edges,

such as the patu and mere.

Carvings: Maori carvings are highly symbolic and often

depict stories and legends from Maori mythology. These carvings can be found on

buildings, canoes, and other objects, and are often intricately detailed.

Jewellery: Maori jewellery often features intricate designs

and is made from materials such as bone, stone, and shell. Pendants, earrings,

and bracelets are all common forms of Maori jewellery.

Taonga puoro (musical instruments): These are traditional

Maori musical instruments, such as the p?t?tara (conch shell trumpet) and the

k?auau (flute). Maori music is an important more...

Under the New Zealand Protected Objects Act 1975, administered by the New Zealand Ministry for Culture & Heritage, the sale, trade, export and ownership of some Maori artefact are regulated
Objects over 50 years old that also have Maori cultural significance must be inspected by Ministry for Culture & Heritage, and if significant the object will be allocated a "Y" number, a unique identification number. Artefacts that have a Y number can only be purchased by those that are registered collectors with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

9 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

A large bone awl (needle), with sharp point and eyelet, 12 cm…

A large bone awl (needle), with sharp point and eyelet, 12 cm length

Five bone Awl (needles), with sharp points and eyelets

Five bone Awl (needles), with sharp points and eyelets

An Aurei whalebone cloak pin, Aotearoa, chiefly Aurei (marine…

Aurei Whalebone Cloak Pin from Aotearoa

An Aurei whalebone cloak pin, Aotearoa, chiefly Aurei (marine ivory cloak pin). Aurei were fashioned from whalebone, whale teeth, greenstone and shell; whale teeth were the most prised. The term Au stems from the old Polynesian for needle and Rei refers…

Thirteen bone sewing needles. .

Thirteen Bone Needles: A Haunting Tale

Thirteen bone sewing needles. .

Two 18/19th century bone ngira (needle), 10.7 cm, 9.2 cm

Pair of Bone Ngira Needles from 18/19th Century

Two 18/19th century bone ngira (needle), 10.7 cm, 9.2 cm

18th century or earlier bone Ngira (needle), of slightly curved…

Antique Curved Bone Needle with Possible Damage

18th century or earlier bone Ngira (needle), of slightly curved form. Possible damage to point.

19th century or earlier bone Ngira (needle), of slightly curved…

Antique Bone Ngira Needle, 19th Century

19th century or earlier bone Ngira (needle), of slightly curved form. Machine drilled suspension hole, length 20 cm.

A pounamu ngira (needle) or cloak pin, inanga variety stone,…

Inanga Pounamu Ngira Cloak Pin

A pounamu ngira (needle) or cloak pin, inanga variety stone, slender form with small suspension hole. Length 8 cm. Provenance: Small label attached 5600 47 Web Col (Athol K. Webster Collection) [Sold at auction 2011 Sloane's Wellington lot 172] Private…

An old Maori Ngira pounamu (greenstone needle), of exceptional…

Exceptional Maori greenstone needle with provenance

An old Maori Ngira pounamu (greenstone needle), of exceptional length, mid-green tone with semi-translucence, rounded probably three European drill hole to end, evidence of early lapidary, tapering to a point. 23 cm. Provenance: As recorded on Y…