New Zealand Maori artefacts manaia (figure)

Historic Kumete Whakairo Presentation Bowl with Figures and Lid

An historically important kumete whakairo (carved lidded presentation bowl), the large and impressive kumete carved with two figures each modelled in a crouching position holding the bowl in their outstretched arms and supporting it on their legs with…

An impressive 19th century Poutokomanawa figure. The standing ancestral figure with four fingered hands placed on the abdomen. The head fully carved with ta moko. Red ochre finish to the surface. Height. 125 cm,

Hori Parone's Tekoteko Figure

Hori Parone, tekoteko figure, enamel on carved timber, paua, tin, composite, wire (circa. 1960), 86 x 18 x 15 cm

Ngapuhi Warrior Amo Boards, Circa 1920

Ngapuhi tribal region, an impressive pair of Amo boards, carved with male and female warrior figures wearing piupiu. The female figures each holding a patu and the male figures holding kotiate and wahaika. Circa 1920, height 240 cm. Provenance: formerly…

Rare Northland Papahou Treasure Box with Female Figures

A rare pre-European Northland papahou (treasure box), stone tool carved. Robustly decorated to the underside of the box with two female figures, each in an opposing flexed stance with wheku form heads protruding from each end of the box. The heads are…

Finely Carved Tokotoko with Ancestral Figures and Paua Shell Eyes

A rare, finely carved tokotoko (ngati tamateatutahi, ngati pikiao), (ceremonial walking stick), the upper section at the base of the handle with an ancestral figure carved in low relief. The face naturalistically rendered with ta moko. One arm with four…

Maori Tekoteko with Koruru Mask and Whakapapa Loops

An important 19th century or earlier Maori carved wooden tekoteko. The top figure with carved moku to face, one hand to stomach and the other to mouth (finger missing). Below is a weku style koruru mask, linked to the top figure through a series of…

Ancestral Wakahuia Treasure Box with Rauponga Carving

A fine Wakahuia (treasure box), classical ovoid orthodox form. Each end carved with ancestral figures with projecting wheku heads. The body of the box carved with longitudinal lines of rauponga with pakati, (dog tooth) notching. The lid with similar…

19th Century Carved Papahou Treasure Box

A superb 19th century Papahou (treasure box), the highly decorative box extensively carved to the top, base and sides. The sides with interweaving manaia figures with wheku heads. The base similarly carved with complex designs depicting manaia and…

A finely carved Ngati tarawhai waka huia (treasure box) by Tene Waitere, elongated oval shape flanked by stylized human figures, each with three fingered hands placed to the abdomen and decorated with fine rauponga (notched ridges and parallel grooves).…

Marine Ivory Nguru Flute from New Zealand

Important nguru flute. This artefact is a marine ivory nguru given to Commander James Wood RN on one of his journeys to New Zealand between 1837 and 1843 the artefact comes to auction from the present owner who is a direct descendent of Commander Wood.…

Maori TiAnea Armchair with Carved Tiki Masks and Paua Inset

Rare late 19th century Maori carved TiAnea (armchair) all over carved with tiki masks, manaia and takarangi spirals with paua shell inset eyes. The seat frame with linear, geometric decoration. Leather covering requires attention. Provenance: Ex John Gow…

Double-sided Kumara Atua Stone with Tiki Figures

A rare stone kumara Atua (kumara God), double sided, each side carved with a tiki figure with crossed legs and with three fingered hands placed to the abdomen. Hammer pecked on both sides. Traces of red ochre on the stone surface. 22 cm height.

Tene Waitere's Elaborate Ngati Tarawhai Waka Huia Treasure Box

A finely carved ngati tarawhai waka huia (treasure box) by Tene Waitere, elongated oval shape flanked by stylized human figures, each with three fingered hands placed to the abdomen decorated with fine rauponga (notched ridges and parallel grooves) each…

Rare 19th Century Waka Taua War Canoe

Rare and superb waka taua - war canoe early 19th century, the prow with weathered rear facing figure, spiral and notch motif separating forward facing figure with extended tongue and paua shell inset eyes, spiral motif along gunwales, stern (taurapa) with…

Amo Fragment: Lower Tiki Figure from Treated Kauri

Carver unknown, Amo fragment, showing lower tiki figure, recovered treated swamp kauri c.1820-1850, Y07892, 185 x 34 x 10 cm

Maori Meeting House Model with Carved Table

A wooden model of a Maori Meeting house, believed to be by Tom Heberley, who carved it for the Prime Minister Robert Stout (PM 1884-1887). Beautifully carved all over and sitting on a carved wooden table in the same style. All figures on table and model…

Ngati Tarawhai Carved Mirror Frame with Ancestral Figures

Ngati tarawhai carved mirror frame, modelled in the form of a pare and whakawae, the lintels and supports which frame the windows of wharenui (meeting houses) the pare centered by a figure with hands placed to his abdomen flanked by outward facing manaia…

Ngati Tarawhai Kumete with Spirals and Ancestral Figure

A superb ngati tarawhai kumete (food bowl), the deep bowl of circular tapering form carved with large rauru spirals, each with elliptical centers and triple ridges with rauponga carving divided by interlacing triple ridge designs with further rauponga…

Unknown Carver's Tekoteko with Patu/Mere, c.1880-1920

Carver unknown, tekoteko - standing figure holding patu or mere, carved wood, c.1880-1920, 77 x 18.5 x 10 cm

18th Century Carved Architectural Panel with Wheku Head

A superb 18th century carved architectural panel, the stone tool carved panel with a wheku head to the lower section with open mouth with protruding tongue and with rauponga carved detailing. The upper section of the panel with a pair of outward facing…

Hei Tiki Gift: A Royal Presentation from New Zealand

A Presentation Hei Tiki Gifted to King Edward VIII. The Hei tiki was presented to the then Prince of Wales during a visit to West Harbour, Dunedin, as part of his 1920 royal tour of New Zealand and the greater commonwealth. He received a grand welcome…

Minimalistic Tat' with Sophisticated Details and Dark Patina

A superb Tat' (waka bailer), extremely well balanced example in the minimalistic early form. The base extends and terminates with minimalist manaia or tiki figure, emphasised with fully incised almond-shaped eyes, perforated nostrils and relief mouth. The…

Late 18th Century Greenstone Hei Tiki

A rare late 18th century greestone hei tiki, a dark greenstone, with white and brown scistose flaws. The head is especially large, with no neck, with an hourglass suspension hole. The eyes and limbs are deeply carved, with light carving at the mouth and…

Whakawae Door Jam with Three Figures

A whakawae door jam, Aotearoa. An architectural piece used as an upright of a doorway. This whakawae depicts three full standing figures and a head at the bottom that has been lost. The figures are covered in notched carvings with spiral motifs on the…

18th Century Maori God Figure (Tekoteko)

An exceptional quality 18th century Maori wooden God figure (Tekoteko). Stone carved all over (except back of head). Unknown iwi. Provenance: Discovered in Vancouver in a garage sale. Most likely taken to North America by a whaler or a sailor involved in…

Rare Godstick with Wheku Face and Spiral Designs

A rare 18th/19th century Godstick, whakapakoko atua, carved as a human figure with wheku face with protruding tongue and deeply set eyes. Decorated with notched ridge (rauponga) and spiral (pakura) designs, the ears unusually pierced, probably for the…

A good 19th century Wakahuia (treasure box) with huia feather, finely carved of classical elongated oval form. Each end with ancestral figures with projecting wheku heads. The body carved with tripple haehae and pakati notching in rauponga design. The lid…

Heru Iwi, rare whalebone hair comb, pre- European period, manaia decoration, with 10 teeth, length 19.3 cm. Provenance: Florence court sale [2009]. Estate of John Lawford

Rare 19th Century Maori Kotaha Spear Whip

A rare and important 19th century kotaha ( spear whip), the handle carved with a figure with folded legs and well defined wheku head. Rich patina across the surface of the tapering cylindrical shaft. These rare Maori wooden dart launchers are often…

Important Carved Toki Poutangata Representing John Ballance

Important toki poutangata handle, a fine and important carved toki poutangata a carved wood handle with a full figure at the top of the blade representing John Ballance (realistic) the figure, seated with arms resting stark, legs slightly bent, feet…

Whalebone Hand Club with Carved Patu and Wheku Head

A wahaika paraoa (whalebone hand club), with a figure with arched back holding a patu carved in relief to the curve of the blade. The handle with a square suspension hole terminating in a wheku head with protruding tongue. 30 cm length.

Carved Wood Albatross Hook with Manaia Figure and Paua Eyes

A rare carved wood Albatross hook, manaia figure carved to the wooden shank with cut paua eye embellishments. The body displays finely carved hae hae and pataki. Provenance: Webster collection, height 11 cm.

Maori ceremonial paddle by Tene Waitere with ancestral figures

A finely carved hoe, Maori ceremonial paddle with orthodox leaf-shaped blade fully decorated on both sides attributed to Tene Waitere (ngati tarawhai). The front carved in deep relief with three ancestral figures, each with cut paua shell eyes decorated…

Maori Carved Wooden Panel by Iotua Charlie Tuarau

Iotua Charlie Tuarau, Maori carved wooden panel, signed, dated and inscribed 'I. C. Tuarau, Maori carver, Dominion Museum, Wellington, NZ, 1963' verso, rectangular carving with rounded edges, painted red. From proper left to proper right: two manaia…

Maori Tekoteko Figure with High Relief Carving

A pre 19th century Maori carved wooden tekoteko figure. The carving of high relief with dark stain. Prominent weku features with hands to chest. Unusual horizontal slats between legs. Old illegible collection no. And a lot no. To reverse. Height 50 cm,…

Tene Waitere Ngati Tarawahi Poupou, carved with an ancestral figure with wheku head with protruding tongue and circular disc eyes surmounting a wheku head at the base of the panel. A further small wheku carved to the lower center section. Decorated with…

Maori Carved Architectural Panels with Manaia Figures

A pair of Maori carved architectural panels (Maihi), carved panels painted red. The apex ends feature three manaia figures with a band of takarangi (scroll designs) interspersed with manaia faces underneath. Plain uncarved section at midpoint. The…

Exceptional Museum-Quality Carved Pounamu Toki Poutangata by Gardiner

An exceptional museum-quality Lewis Gardiner carved pounamu toki poutangata, of large size, the oval section cylindrical handle with stylised bust carved end, the raised top with entwined pierced and carved stylised figures in a good dark green kahurangi…

Mirrored Waka Huia Treasure Box with Carvings and Paua Shell

An early 20th century waka huia (treasure box), the handle with mirrored tekoteko figures connected at the head above carved wheku heads with inset paua shell eyes. The bowl supported on two humanistic forms with tongues extended and full moko, carved…

18th Century Carved Wooden Door Jamb with Ancestral Figures

Wooden whakawae (door jamb) section, the 18th century architectural piece carved with three conjoined ancestral figures with naturalistic bodies and wheku faces mounted on an intricately carved and pierced support. Remnants of a barely legible old…

Late 19th Century Carved Ngati Tarawhai Model Pataka Showcase

An impressive late 19th century carved ngati tarawhai model Pataka (Storehouse). The paepae carved with wheku heads and manaia. The amo carved with ancestral figures with paua shell eyes. The mahi with interweaving koru designs in low relief terminating…

Ian McMillan's Tauihu Canoe Prow Carving

The Ian McMillan Estate Collection. At age 10 Ian McMillan was introduced to carving by Bruce Manley and continued to develop a love, knowledge and understanding of Maori and New Zealand history and culture. Ian spent the latter years of his life based at…

Maori Carved Lintel with Stylised Figures and Paua Eyes

An early/mid 20th century Maori carved long lintel ex. Auckland Town Hall, carved with a central stylised figure flanked by three pairs of further figures and scrolls. Paua insert eyes. 270 x 30 cm. Provenance: Ex. Auckland Town Hall basement area.…

Rare Maori God Sinker with Carved Figures

Important Mahe - Sinker. A very rare Pre-European stone carved God sinker (mahe) or ballast stone, with carved janus manaia figures to the top which is perforated for attachment to a line. Of exceptional quality and superior to those in the British Museum…

Wheku-faced paddle with carved figure and spiral decoration

Fine and unusual 19th century hoe (paddle), classic form with long cylindrical shaft terminating in a carved figure with wheku face and with folded legs clasped by his arms with pakura (spiral) decoration. The back of the blade with faint inscription…

Rare Pounamu Pekapeka Pendant with Manaia Heads

Pounamu pekapeka (nephrite pendant), finely carved from Kawakawa variety pounamu, with cut circular eyes and asymmetrical countersunk suspension hole, pekapeka are named after the small native New Zealand bat which they are said to resemble in appearance.…

Rare Ngati Tarawhai Carved Fire Surround by Tene Waitere

Tene Waitere (attributed), a superb and rare carved ngati tarawhai fire surround, modelled after a pare (lintel) and Whakawae (supports) from the door frame of a Wharenui, the whakawae with ancestral figural carving as male and female forms, the male…

Maori Carved Door Frames with Geometric Notch Decoration

A pair of late 19th century / early 20th century carved Maori whakawae (door frames). Each deep relief figure with painted eyes and geometric notch decoration to the face, the body of stylised human form. The back support to both whakawae painted in a…

A good late 19th century figure supported kumete (Ngati tarawhai), a well carved lidded figure supported kumete. The bowl is flanked by two crouching wheku figures carved in high relief. The surface is ornately carved in rauponga spirals with triple…

A large early 19th century Wakahuia (treasure box), traditional elongated oval shape flanked by stylized human figures (one missing the lower section of the mouth), each with three fingered hands resting on the thighs and cut paua shell adorning the eyes.…

A late 19th century Poupou section, carved with an ancestral figure with a wheku face with five fingered hands placed on the abdomen. The base of the panel carved with a wheku face. 71 x 26 cm

19th Century Whalebone Kotiate with Manaia Figure

Superb kotiate early 19th century whalebone short striking weapon of traditional form with manaia figure to butt, red inset to one eye and paua shell inset to other, length 33 cm

Kohekohe Pouwhenua with Carved Manaia Paua Inlay

19th century pouwhenua (long handled weapon), possible kohekohe hardwood, rounded rau (blade) with carved whiti towards botton of shaft, depicts a carved manaia paua inlay to one eye only, 152 cm

Masterfully Carved Whalebone Kotiate Weapon

Superb whalebone kotiate, finely carved in a formal manner, the beautifully symmetrical blade reflects the work of a master carver the surface holds a soft used patina suggesting good age and use a powerfully resolved manaia form guards the kotiate and…

Finely Carved Tokotoko by Jacob Heberley

Jacob William Heberley (1849-1906) Te Ati AWA Wellington, a finely carved tokotoko (traditionally carved walking stick), with four figures, each surmounting the other. The lower figure with naturalistic face with ta-moko. The two middle figures carved…

Rare Mahe Sinker with Carved Figures and Grooves

A good rare Pre-European mahe (sinker), stone tool carved with a figure to each side with wheku head. Each figure with folded legs. One figure with hands placed to abdomen, the other with hands placed on to the legs. The base with concentric grooves.…

Maori bird snare perch with manaia face

A 19th century / early 20th century Maori carved wooden mutu kaka (bird Snare perch). Perch section slightly curved terminating in manaia face. Full figure to shank with fingers on chest and bent knees. Weku style face. On stand. Length 33 cm

Maori Wahaika with Female Figure and Weku Mask

A pre 19th century Maori carved wooden wahaika. Of relatively thick form with full carved female figure to inside blade, weku type mask to butt. Hour glass form suspension hole. Length 43 cm

19th Century Tuki with Ancestral Figures

Rare 19th century tuki (mouthpiece for a calabash), the tapering cylindrical form decorated with lineal rauponga and with a pair of well carved outward facing ancestral figures, each with three finger hands placed on the abdomen. 14 x 20 cm. Y 20988

Manaia Paua Comb

Whalebone comb, flattened rectangular form, carved manaia face to top, with four inset paua discs and twenty-one teeth. Height 19 cm. Width 8.4 cm

Maori Carved Doorway with Stylized Figure and Spirals

A 19th century Maori carved complete doorway (pare and support posts), the central stylised figure fully carved with haehae design and notched detail, tongue extended, the three digit hands clasped to the stomach, flanked by double spirals (pitau),…

Weke Wahaika - Maori Carved Short-Bladed Striking Weapon

A wahaika, Aotearoa, circa late 19th century. A short-bladed striking weapon. Carved from a single piece of wood. Weke masked butt, carved human figure (marakihau) on incurve. Its body and head have been carved in a figure-of-eight shape, with an arched…

Charlie Wilson nephrite mere with carved wooden box

A Charlie Wilson nephrite mere of traditional form with large spatula formed blade waisted grip and triple ring groove to the butt, tapered suspension hole, length 39 cm, housed in a carved wooden box of lozenge form with relief decoration of Maori…

Red Stained Spiral Carved Maori Figure

Northland, possibly Ex Wagener Museum wooden carved Maori figure. Red stained figure with spiral carved thighs and buttocks and carved spiral to centre of back. Split to face and abdomen. Height 46 cm (excluding stand).

Maori Kauri Inkwell Figure with Fine Carving

A rare late 19th early 20th century Maori carved kauri figure supported inkwell fine detailed carving, one figure supported on the back of a kneeling figure, all on an oval base, the bowl with original glass inkwell and black stained finish, paua inset…

Maori Wooden Fragment with Carvings and Stand

A pre 19th century Maori carved wooden fragment. Red stained, semi circular with flattened central section flanked by four figures (both top figures damaged) over weku type figures. The base with geometric haehae and pakati notching. On stand. Height 62…

A 19th century Wakahuia (treasure box), traditional elongated oval shape flanked by stylized human figures carved in high relief. Each with arms outstretched behind their backs with hands resting on the box. The body of the box carved with radiating lines…

An early 19th century waka Taua Rauawa (Gunwale), carved with side profile figures with wheku faces interlinked with manaia figures with cut paua shell eyes. Red ochre painted finish. Pierced with circular holes to the upper and lower section to enable…

Finely Carved Ancestral Paddle by Tene Waitere

Tene Waitere (attributed), finely carved hoe, with orthodox leaf shaped blade carved in deep relief with two ancestral figures and two manaia decorated with rauponga and with cut paua shell eyes. The reverse side of the blade with low relief Kowhaiwhai…

Rare Whalebone Tokotoko with Figures and Antler Handle

A good rare whalebone tokotoko, the tapering shaft carved with two figures. The upper section figure with a wheku head with protruding tongue and cut paua shell eyes. The arms with pikorauru spirals at the shoulders and hands placed to the abdomen. The…

Maori Pou Post with Ta Moko and Paua Shell Eyes

Carved Maori pou post, the ancestral figure with ta moko and paua shell eyes. The body with decorative haehae carving and with three fingers clasped together at the abdomen, Y17541. Height 148 cm

Stylised female figure on oval pod-shaped container

Ian McMillan carved waka k'iwi, oval pod-type form, the lid carved with stylised female figure with encircling three fingered hands, legs and genitals evident to one end, the base plain. Length 71 cm.

Maori Waka Hoe with Carved Manaia Butt

A pre European waka hoe. This Maori steering paddle is known commonly as a waka hoe, or a canoe paddle-and is sometimes referred to by Maori as a whakatere. A unique feature of this paddle is the carved manaia butt. Waka hoe of this ilk usually have only…

Haehae Carved Maori Wahaika Club

Maori hand club wahaika, this hardwood club is finely incised over the entire blade with deep relief linear haehae carving. A finely carved ancestor figure on the side of the club with elliptical eyes, curved legs and hands held to the belly. The butt of…

Maori Carved Figure with Decorated Bowl

New Zealand folk art, carving, on a Maori theme consisting of a column of three gesturing figures in black, raised over a square pedestal base and mounted with a highly decorated bowl, height 80.5 cm. Provenance: formerly in the John Perry collection

Maori Carved Wooden Pare with Manaia Figures

A 19th century / early 20th century Maori carved wooden pare (lintel). Large manaia figures to each end and pierced central figure with hands to each side of face. Haehae and pakati decoration. Paua shell inset eyes. Lashing holes to reverse, slots…

Red-stained Maori Carved Figure with Geometric Spiral Design

19th century or late 18th century Maori carved figure (possibly a tekoteko). Red stained with faint traces of paint to eyes. Carved female moku to chin with both hands to stomach. Geometric spiral and notch carving to body. Height 61 cm, width 20 cm,…

Rare Large Matai Kumete with Tiki Figure

A rare contact period very large Matai food bowl (kumete). Found at Ngaere, South Taranaki. Square projection to one side with projecting tiki figure to opposite side (head broken off). Hole to one side near base. Length 85.5 cm. Depth 25.5 cm

Stylised male figure with manaia head and bird handle

Fine tokotoko, carved with a highly stylised male figure, standing in full relief and surmounting a manaia head the figure with naturalistic tattooed head and bone-inlaid eyes extends into a curved handle terminating in a stylised bird form manaia with…

19th Century Oko Ngarahu Tattoo Pigment Pot with Figure

Rare 19th century Oko Ngarahu carved tattoo pigment pot, the bowl supported by figure with rauponga notching to right arm, head with moko and top knot (damage to left side), on stand, length 17 cm

Maori Whare Facade Boards with Carvings and Paint

Early 20th century carved Maori whare facade boards, the amo (vertical supporting boards) each with three main stylised figures and multiple masks, old red paint showing some distress, remains of paua shell discs to eyes, the maihi boards with conforming…

Cliff Whiting's Koru Spiral Mask Prototype

Cliff Whiting untitled, Cliff Whiting (1937-2017) of Te Whanau-a-Apanui iwi was an esteemed teacher and practitioner of Maori arts. Whiting was a leading figure in the design of Te Papa's Rongomaraeroa marae. This mask is a prototype designed by Whiting…

19th Century Carved Wooden Whakawae Door Jamb

Carved wooden whakawae (door Jamb) section, the early 19th century architectural piece carved with three conjoined ancestral figures with naturalistic bodies and wheku faces mounted on an intricately carved support with side profile wheku heads and…

Maori War Canoe Model with Intricate Carvings

A rare model waka taua, Maori war canoe, of carved wood, with a raised stern (taurapa) displaying an ancestral figure in high relief, the prow (tauihu) distinguished by a projecting carved figure with paua inlaid eyes and a protruding defiant tongue…

Maori Wahaika Club with Paua Shell Eyes

An early 18th century Maori wooden club (wahaika), of good quality and heavy weight. Figure on the side has paua shell eyes. Slight very old chip in the blade. Overall worn condition in keeping with its age. Length 36 cm

Stylised Wakahuia with Feather Pattern and Tiki Figure

Ian McMillan finely carved wakahuia, stylised head form handles, fine 'feather pattern' all over to the body, stylised figures to the side and tiki figure to the base. Length 50 cm

A 19th century tokotoko attributed to Jacob William Heberley (1849 - 1906), naturalistic carved figure with ta-moko surmounting four wheku heads. The figures with inset cut paua shell eyes (one missing) and decorated with triple haehae and pakati (dog…

Rare Chiefly Adze with Manaia and Pataki Designs

Toki pou tangata - ceremonial adze fine and rare example of chiefly ceremonial adze, the top carved with dominating manaia figure holding a lizard by its tail, fully decorated with pataki and triple heihei designs to top shaft, stone adze bound with muka…