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.

152 items found, 97-152 shown:

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

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Carved 19th century wooden waka huia, all over geometric pAkati…

Geometric Waka Huia with Tongue Figures

Carved 19th century wooden waka huia, all over geometric pAkati decoration supported by two figures with protruding tongues either end

A Maori folk art cigarette box, by J.W.F. Welch, in dark…

Maori cigarette box by J.W.F. Welch

A Maori folk art cigarette box, by J.W.F. Welch, in dark stained kauri. Width 11 cm.

A small vintage Maori carved box, similar to above, maker…

Vintage Maori Carved Box - 10 x 9.5 x 5 cm

A small vintage Maori carved box, similar to above, maker unknown, no label. 10 x 9.5 x 5 cm.

An uncommon Maori carved hinged lidded box 'Tapu' by P.H.…

Maori Carved Tapu Box by P.H. Leonard

An uncommon Maori carved hinged lidded box 'Tapu' by P.H. Leonard of Rotorua, the lid with stylised face, paua inset eyes, angular lineal and notch banded decoration, kowhaiwhai to the sides, original circular paper label to the interior. 20.5 x 13 x 8.9…

A rare model waka taua, Maori war canoe, of carved wood, with a…

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…

A contemporary waka huia, with protuding wheku heads and…

Wheku Waka Huia: Intricate Maori Carving

A contemporary waka huia, with protuding wheku heads and all-over carving, height 13 cm, width 34 cm, diameter 10 cm

A 19th century folk art carved box, teardrop form with…

Maori-inspired Carved Teardrop Box

A 19th century folk art carved box, teardrop form with swivelling lid, the scrolling designs including some of Maori type form, original dark varnish. Length 19 cm.

A 2010 New Zealand proof $10 gold Hei Tiki coin, 1 ounce 0.999…

Limited Edition 2010 New Zealand Gold Hei Tiki Coin

A 2010 New Zealand proof $10 gold Hei Tiki coin, 1 ounce 0.999 pure gold, ltd. ed. 340 of 500, in Maori carved waka huia box with pamphlet.

Early 20th century ebonised work box, all carved with Maori…

Maori Carved Work Box

Early 20th century ebonised work box, all carved with Maori motifs (faults)

Early 20th century ebonised work box, all carved with Maori…

Maori-carved Ebonised Work Box from Early 20th Century

Early 20th century ebonised work box, all carved with Maori motifs

A 1920s carved Maori model waka, the exterior profusely carved,…

1920s Carved Maori Model Waka

A 1920s carved Maori model waka, the exterior profusely carved, possibly by an apprentice. Length 45 cm.

An early 20th century carved small model waka, stylised figure…

Carved Waka Model with Stylised Figures

An early 20th century carved small model waka, stylised figure to each side. Length 25 cm.

An early/mid-20th century Maori carved hinged lidded box,…

Maori Carved Hinged Box with Stylised Figures

An early/mid-20th century Maori carved hinged lidded box, rectangular form, two stylised joined figures recessed to the lid. 17 x 9.5 x 5 cm.

A mid-20th century Rangi Stevens Maori finely carved box, the…

Rangi Stevens Maori Carved Box with Wheku Head

A mid-20th century Rangi Stevens Maori finely carved box, the lid with wheku stylised head with paua shell eyes, fine lineal and notch detail to the reverse and front panels. 18 x 13 x 8 cm.

An ebonized wooden box, carved with Maori decorations and with…

Maori-Inspired Ebonized Box with Paua Shell Inlay

An ebonized wooden box, carved with Maori decorations and with inlaid paua shell eyes, late 19th century, 31 cm across

A contemporary mere pounamu, in rimu presentation box, with…

Rimu Boxed Mere Pounamu with Suspension Hole - 32.5cm

A contemporary mere pounamu, in rimu presentation box, with ridged butt knob and pierced suspension hole, length 32.5 cm

A 20th century carved wakahuia, the lid carved with two tiki…

Carved Wakahuia with Tiki Figures and Kowhaiwhai Pattern

A 20th century carved wakahuia, the lid carved with two tiki figures on a notch and lineal background, a kowhaiwhai pattern encircles the rim and the notched pattern continues over the remaining surfaces. Some chips, length 53 cm

A New Zealand kauri trinket box, profusely carved with Maori…

Maori Carved Kauri Trinket Box with Abalone Inlay

A New Zealand kauri trinket box, profusely carved with Maori Folk Art design and abalone inlay, length 29 cm.

A rare Micronesian fishing tackle box

Micronesian Fishing Tackle Box Rarity

A rare Micronesian fishing tackle box

An old Maori carved waka stern post, finely detailed with…

Maori Carved Waka Stern Post with Spiral Notch Design

An old Maori carved waka stern post, finely detailed with traditional concentric spiral and notch carving, a recumbent figure to the base, the black finish showing some destress. Height 76.5 cm

A pair of early 20th century silver hei tiki mounted knife…

Silver Hei Tiki Knife Rests in Fitted Box, 1912

A pair of early 20th century silver hei tiki mounted knife rests, each with plain cylinder bar supported by engraved tiki mounted upon plain rectangular plinths, in original fitted box with purple velvet lining. Hallmarked London 1912 by C. Widmer & Sons.

Folk Art carved trinket box tiki with inset paua shell eyes to…

Tiki Trinket Box with Paua Shell Eyes

Folk Art carved trinket box tiki with inset paua shell eyes to sliding cover, length 10.5 cm

Early 20th century carved box with fitted lid. Naive tiki, koru…

Carved Tiki Box with Geometric Design

Early 20th century carved box with fitted lid. Naive tiki, koru and geometric incised decoration. Width 26 cm, depth 23 cm, height 4 cm.

20th century Maori carved waka keruru (bird snare), long trough…

Maori Carved Waka Keruru with Stylised Masks and Figures

20th century Maori carved waka keruru (bird snare), long trough form, the exterior carved with stylised Maori masks and figures, each end with a full stylised head, branch sections set at each end and above forming a perch, paua inset eyes. Length 114 cm.

A Maori carved wooden box, the lid with a manaia figure. 15.5…

Maori Carved Box with Manaia Figure

A Maori carved wooden box, the lid with a manaia figure. 15.5 cm x 12 cm x 4.5 cm

A Maori carved wooden box, with a rauponga pattern carving to…

Rauponga Carved Maori Box

A Maori carved wooden box, with a rauponga pattern carving to the lid. 20 cm x 13 cm x 7 cm

A mid twentieth century carved Maori box, fine carved detail to…

Mid-century Maori Carved Box

A mid twentieth century carved Maori box, fine carved detail to lid and all sides, 13.5 cm x 9.5 cm x 5.5 cm

A large hank of kauri gum hair, with ribbon and in presentation…

Kauri Gum Hair Presentation Box

A large hank of kauri gum hair, with ribbon and in presentation glass and wood box. 19 x 35 cm

New Zealand greenstone pendant ornament, 20th century, housed…

Greenstone Pendant in Timber Box

New Zealand greenstone pendant ornament, 20th century, housed in timber box, 7 x 5 cm

Waka Manu bird feeding trough of hollowed form with two…

Hollow Waka Manu Bird Feeding Trough with Handles

Waka Manu bird feeding trough of hollowed form with two rectangular handles to end, weathered light brown patina consistent with age, length 120 cm

Waka small river going waka of hollowed form with weathered…

Patina Waka River Sculpture with Pierced Holes

Waka small river going waka of hollowed form with weathered patina, pierced holes to side for attachment, length 340 cm, width 33 cm

Rare and superb waka taua - war canoe early 19th century, the…

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…

A Maori bone fish-hook repatriated from the U.K., presented to…

Repatriated Maori Fish-Hook with Wesleyan Missionary Provenance

A Maori bone fish-hook repatriated from the U.K., presented to Wesleyan preacher James Everett (1784-1872,) by Samuel Leigh (1785-1852) pioneer Wesleyan missionary in Australia and New Zealand. Leigh was sent to, and became, the first Wesleyan missionary…

A 20th century Maori carved box, rectangular, the lid carved in…

Maori Carved Box with Koruru Head and Various Heads

A 20th century Maori carved box, rectangular, the lid carved in high relief with a koruru head, the sides further carved with various heads. Dark stained kauri. 190 x 12 cm x 8 cm

Waka Kereru (pigeon trough), of rectangular shape. Length 62 cm

Rectangular Waka Kereru Trough (62cm)

Waka Kereru (pigeon trough), of rectangular shape. Length 62 cm

An early 20th century waka huia (treasure box), the handle with…

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…

An early/mid 20th century Maori folk art storage box, with…

Maori Carved Storage Box with Paua Shell Decoration

An early/mid 20th century Maori folk art storage box, with profuse carved decoration to the top and sides including Maori lineal and notch detail, the hinged lid decorated with opposing lizards and elaborately highlighted with paua shell. Side handles…

A Folk Art Maori waka huia, of rectangular shape, the base…

Maori Waka Huia with Tiki Figures and Weku Handles

A Folk Art Maori waka huia, of rectangular shape, the base carved with tiki figures to the sides and weku head handles issuing from the ends, the fitted lid with a handle formed as a recumbent tiki figure. Width 47 cm

Maori folk art box. the top with a carved wheku head with paua…

Paua-eyed Wheku Box

Maori folk art box. the top with a carved wheku head with paua shell eyes. Width 16 cm

A late 20th century carved Maori wakahuia, traditional notched…

Traditional Maori Wakahuia with Tiki Face and Paua Eyes

A late 20th century carved Maori wakahuia, traditional notched carving to the sides, the lid and handles carved with the traditional tiki face with inset paua eyes. 31 cm x 14 cm x 7 cm

A wooden Folk Art box in the shape of a Maori Whare, black with…

Maori Whare Folk Art Box

A wooden Folk Art box in the shape of a Maori Whare, black with red and white detail to the faces, one portion of the roof forms the lid. 25 cm x 22 cm x 20 cm

An impressive ngati tarawhai carved model waka Taua (war canoe),…

Ngati Tarawhai Carved Model Waka Taua

An impressive ngati tarawhai carved model waka Taua (war canoe), early 20th century, the hull carved with rauponga and kowhaiwhai decoration and inset with paua shell and with muka binding. The Taurapa (stern piece) with further rauponga carving and with…

Lidded box. Carved box with tiki face to top with inset paua…

Tiki Carved Paua-Eyed Lidded Box

Lidded box. Carved box with tiki face to top with inset paua eyes. Length 12.4 cm. Width 10 cm. D.4.8 cm.

An excellent 19th century greenstone mere with a three-ring…

19th Century Greenstone Mere with Carved Box

An excellent 19th century greenstone mere with a three-ring carved butt. Light green colour. Comes with a carved waka huia box. Length 38 cm

An impressive early 20th century Ngati Tarawhai, carved model…

Early 20th Century Ngati Tarawhai Carved Waka Taua

An impressive early 20th century Ngati Tarawhai, carved model Waka Taua (war canoe), the hull carved with rauponga and kowhaiwhai decoration and inset with paua shell and with muka binding. The Taurapa (stern piece) with further rauponga carving and with…

A Shane MacIntosh whalebone carved koru pendant, circular form…

Whalebone Koru Pendant with Rimu Box

A Shane MacIntosh whalebone carved koru pendant, circular form with internal spiral highlighted with carved scroll and notch detail. In fitted rimu turned box with paua shell ring inlay detail. Diameter 5.7 cm

Folk art boxes (2), fully carved hinged box inscribed 'Ngaio…

Carved Folk Art Boxes - Ngaio and Puriri, 1945

Folk art boxes (2), fully carved hinged box inscribed 'Ngaio 1945', together with an un-lidded box inscribed 'Puriri 1945'. Length 26.5 cm. Width 14 cm. Diameter 7 cm. Length 15 cm. Width 7 cm

Large model waka, large model canoe of hollowed form, dry light…

Waitara River Waka Model

Large model waka, large model canoe of hollowed form, dry light brown patina. Dredged from a dry gravel bank on the Waitara river in 1970. Length 106 cm. Width 9.2 cm

A carved wooden Maori Wakahuia (treasure box), of classic canoe…

Maori Wakahuia with Tikis and Paua Shell Inlay

A carved wooden Maori Wakahuia (treasure box), of classic canoe shaped form with tikis to mid section and each end, probably carved by Tom Heberley. Paua shell inlay eyes. Length 46 cm

A contact period carved Maori treasure box (Wakahuia). Overall…

Maori Spiral Carved Treasure Box

A contact period carved Maori treasure box (Wakahuia). Overall carving in spiral fashion with wide notches and flat bottom. Carved head at each end, one with tongue partly broken, both with paua inserts. Early paper tag to interior. Provenance: Purchased…

A vintage carved waka huia, high quality detailed carving all…

Vintage Carved Waka Huia with Detailed Carving and Head Handles

A vintage carved waka huia, high quality detailed carving all over, the side handles in the form of a head with matching head to lid, profuse detailed carving to inside of lid, old typed explanation note inside from the Kowhai Room, Hotel Intercontinental…

Tackle box (fishing tackle box) Hollowed box and lid with…

Dark-Brown Fishing Tackle Box with Lid and Lugs

Tackle box (fishing tackle box) Hollowed box and lid with protruding rectangular lugs on side for attachment. Rich, dark-brown patina. Height 16.5 cm. Width 23 cm

Taluma (fishing tackle box) Hollowed box and lid standing on…

Inlaid Shell Taluma Fishing Tackle Box

Taluma (fishing tackle box) Hollowed box and lid standing on four legs. Inlaid shell decoration. Highly polished, rich-brown patina. Length 18 cm. Width 19 cm

Group of Folk items (3) early 20th-century carved folk items:…

Early 20th-Century Carved Folk Trio

Group of Folk items (3) early 20th-century carved folk items: waka, tiki and bowl. Length 40 cm. Width 4.5 cm; length 6.5 cm. Width 4.5 cm; length 13.5 cm. Width 5 cm

Finely carved box reminiscent of a Pouaka - carved box for…

Carved Pouaka-Inspired Box by Henry Lamb

Finely carved box reminiscent of a Pouaka - carved box for storing tattooing tools., of hollowed form, squatting figure, arms resting to feet. Well-resolved naturalistic head, raised facial features and moku- to face with paua inset eyes. Lid with two…

An early 20th century Maori carved 'Pouaka' tinder box, the…

Maori Pouaka Tinder Box with Stylised Carvings and Paua Eyes

An early 20th century Maori carved 'Pouaka' tinder box, the stylised figure bent over clasping his feet, his back as the box, the domed cover with two full relief stylised figures, clasping their extended tongues, all-over notch, linial and spiral carving…