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.

67 items found:

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

A rare, finely carved tokotoko (ngati tamateatutahi, ngati…

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…

Jacob William Heberley (1849-1906) Te Ati AWA Wellington, a…

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…

A good rare whalebone tokotoko, the tapering shaft carved with…

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…

Fine tokotoko, carved with a highly stylised male figure,…

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…

A 19th century tokotoko attributed to Jacob William Heberley…

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…

Fine tokotoko, long cylindrical shaft, three distinctive manaia…

Manaia Tokotoko by Anaha Te Rahui

Fine tokotoko, long cylindrical shaft, three distinctive manaia heads at top, bottom and middle, with strong facial features, inlaid paua shell eyes and spiral design to cheeks and forehead. Resolved triple haehae and dogtooth notching throughout the…

A Superbly carved wooden walking stick (tokotoko), with a broad…

Spiral Carved Wooden Walking Stick

A Superbly carved wooden walking stick (tokotoko), with a broad spiral winding down whole shaft. Face to top below handle. Length 86 cm

Fine tokotoko, by Jacob William Heberley (1849-1906) Te Ati AWA…

Te Ati AWA Kawhaiwhai Tokotoko

Fine tokotoko, by Jacob William Heberley (1849-1906) Te Ati AWA Wellington descent, the gentle tapering shaft carved with a figure to the upper section holding a mere and with crescent shaped paua shell eyes, the shaft and knobbed handle decorated with a…

Tokotoko finely carved walking stick, curved handle leading to…

Finely Carved Tokotoko Walking Stick with Manaia Figures

Tokotoko finely carved walking stick, curved handle leading to carved shaft with koiri and rauponga designs, three manaia figures each with paua inset eyes, dark brown patina (some loss to handle), height 95 cm

A 19th century tokotoko (traditional carved walking stick)…

19th Century Heberley Tokotoko Walking Stick with Ta-moko and Paua Shell

A 19th century tokotoko (traditional carved walking stick) attributed to Jacob William Heberley (1849-1906). Naturalistic carved figure with ta-moko surmounting three wheku heads. The figures all with inset cut paua shell eyes (one missing) and decorated…

Fine tokotoko, by Jacob William Heberley (1849-1906) Te Ati AWA…

Tapered Tokotoko with Mere and Paua Shell Eyes

Fine tokotoko, by Jacob William Heberley (1849-1906) Te Ati AWA Wellington descent, the gentle tapering shaft carved with a figure to the upper section holding a mere and with crescent shaped paua shell eyes, the shaft decorated with haehae and pataki…

A c.1900 Maori carved tokotoko (walking stick), the handle with…

Maori Carved Tokotoko Walking Stick with Stylised Figures

A c.1900 Maori carved tokotoko (walking stick), the handle with two stylised figures standing back-to-back below a compressed bun, the cylindrical shaft with carved band of lineal, notch and kowhaiwhai decoration. Length 86.5 cm.

A late 19th century Maori carved tokotoko (walking stick), half…

Maori Carved Tokotoko Walking Stick with Masks and Lizard

A late 19th century Maori carved tokotoko (walking stick), half lineal and notch carved, the handle with two stylised masks, the shaft with stylised human climbing figure and lizard in relief, paua shell inserts, probably rewarewa. Length 96.5 cm.

A walking stick made of shark vertebrae with an ivory handle…

Shark Vertebrae Walking Stick with Maori Ivory Handle

A walking stick made of shark vertebrae with an ivory handle carved with Maori designs. The 65 graduated vertebrae interspersed by horn discs, the silver ferrule embossed with a koruru mask head, the handle with tiki figures on a notched pattern ground.…

A Maori carved walking stick, New Zealand origin, 19th century,…

Maori Carved Walking Stick, 19th Century New Zealand

A Maori carved walking stick, New Zealand origin, 19th century, 97 cm high

Early tokotoko, fully carved with pataki notching and haehae…

Pataki Notched Tokotoko with Haehae Decoration

Early tokotoko, fully carved with pataki notching and haehae decoration. Rich brown patina. Height 102 cm. Width 3 cm

A walking stick, Aotearoa, superb Maori swagger stick. This…

Maori Swagger Stick

A walking stick, Aotearoa, superb Maori swagger stick. This swagger stick appears to have been made from an early tokotoko. With extremely fine and precise carvings cover the entire body with humanoid figure to the to top. The handle has been left…

Finely carved late 19th/ early 20th century tokotoko finely…

Carved Tokotoko Walking Stick with Mother of Pearl Eyes

Finely carved late 19th/ early 20th century tokotoko finely carved walking stick in the manner of Jacob Heberley, upper figure of naturalistic form with tattooed face and notch and spiral decoration to torso sits upon the lower figure of more traditional…

Carved Maori ancestral figure, with wheku head, depicted in a…

Maori Ancestral Figure with Wheku Head

Carved Maori ancestral figure, with wheku head, depicted in a crouching stance, surmounting an inverted wheku head. Red ochre covering the surface. Broken to the bottom section. Possibly from a tokotoko or model waka, 15 cm length

An interesting and notable 19th century Maori carved walking…

Maori Walking Stick with Janus-Faced Figure and Inlaid Eyes

An interesting and notable 19th century Maori carved walking stick originally owned by the colonial sawmiller James Robson, husband of Mere Ngamai (ii) A close relation of the famous chief Te Wharepouri, and by descent to the estate of our vendor.…

A late 19th century Maori carved tokotoko (walking stick), the…

Maori Carved Tokotoko Walking Stick

A late 19th century Maori carved tokotoko (walking stick), the shaft with part spiralling section, nearly entirely carved with lineal and notch detail highlighted with five stylised masks, plain cylindrical handle. Length 91 cm.

A rare New Zealand Maori walking stick with carved Tiki and…

Maori Walking Stick with Carved Tiki and Paua Inlay

A rare New Zealand Maori walking stick with carved Tiki and inlaid paua shell, 19th century

A large 20th century tokotoko with surmounting double-sided…

A large 20th century tokotoko with surmounting double-sided figures, figures displaying wheku heads with inset cut paua eyes, protruding tongues, and interlocking arms intricately carved with spirals, triple ridged haehae and pakati (dog notching), height…

Taiaha (fighting staff), a 20th century example carved in the…

Maori Weapons Set

Taiaha (fighting staff), a 20th century example carved in the ngati tarawhai style with rauponga decoration. Together with a tokotoko (walking stick) and three wahaika (hand clubs)

A late 19th century Maori carved tokotoko (orator's stick)…

19th Century Maori Orator's Stick by Tene Waitere

A late 19th century Maori carved tokotoko (orator's stick) attributed to Tene Waitere (1854-1931), with three figures carved to the shaft, paua eyes absent, fine lineal and notch decoration to the majority of its length. Length 91 cm. Note: Similar…

An elaborate Maori carved whalebone handled walking stick, the…

Maori Whalebone Walking Stick with Elaborate Carvings

An elaborate Maori carved whalebone handled walking stick, the open handle with a stylised figure and multiple masks, fine whorl and notch carved detail, the carved wooden shaft with waxed thread lashing and feather highlights, paua ring eye inserts,…

Fine New Zealand Maori carved walking stick, following the…

Maori Walking Stick with Abalone Accents and Tiki Carvings

Fine New Zealand Maori carved walking stick, following the natural form of the wood, carved with four tiki accented with abalone, amongst geometric motifs, total length 92 cm

A finely carved tokotoko, Maori orator's stick, with curved…

Intricately Carved Maori Tokotoko with Tiki and Wheku Figures

A finely carved tokotoko, Maori orator's stick, with curved handle, intricately carved throughout the shaft with haehae (parallel grooves) and pakati notches (dog tooth pattern). Upper part carved with tiki figure displaying flared nostrils and…

A 19th century Maori bust tokotoko, a carved Maori walking…

A 19th century Maori bust tokotoko, a carved Maori walking stick displaying a Maori portrait bust with ta moko and sliver collar, height 91 cm,

A 19th century Maori carved tokotoko (walking stick),…

19th Century Maori Carved Tokotoko Walking Stick

A 19th century Maori carved tokotoko (walking stick), attributed to Tene Waitere (1854-1931), four stylised carved and pierced figures, to majority of shaft, paua inset eyes, fine linial and notch highlights, the handle as a stylised albatross head, plain…

A late 19th century Maori carved walking stick, the exaggerated…

Maori Walking Stick with Carved Shaft and Silver Band

A late 19th century Maori carved walking stick, the exaggerated wrythen shaft with lineal and notch carved detail, two stylised head forms towards the top, knob handle with silver plain band. Repair to shaft. Length 97.5 cm. Being assessed for…

Tokotoko carved walking stick with bird form figure to handle…

Tokotoko Walking Stick with Bird Handle and Paua Eyes

Tokotoko carved walking stick with bird form figure to handle with paua inset eyes leading to partially carved shaft, terminating with original brass end, height 93.5 cm

A late 19th/early 20th century Maori carved tokotoko/walking…

Maori Tokotoko Walking Stick with Stylised Figures

A late 19th/early 20th century Maori carved tokotoko/walking stick, carved with three wide encircling bands of stylised figures flanked by koru and leaf highlights. Good colour and patina. Being assessed for registration. Length 80.5 cm. Y21152. Must be a…

A carved tokotoko (ceremonial walking stick), rich dark patina.…

Spiral Tokotoko with Wheku Head and Paua Eyes

A carved tokotoko (ceremonial walking stick), rich dark patina. Ascending spiral design tapering to a metal cap. Knob with carved wheku head and paua eyes. 82 cm height

A late 19th century tokotoko, carved Maori figure with ta moko…

Late 19th Century Maori Tokotoko Figure with Ta Moko

A late 19th century tokotoko, carved Maori figure with ta moko wrapped in a korowai and decorated in rauponga surmounting a tapering shaft. H 94 cm,

Well carved New Zealand tokotoko walking stick. Intricate…

Intricately Carved Tokotoko Walking Stick from New Zealand

Well carved New Zealand tokotoko walking stick. Intricate carving of figure and haehae (parallel lines). Old loss to lower end. Length 75 cm

An early/mid 20th century Maori carved walking stick, the…

Maori Carved Walking Stick with Arched Full Figure Handle

An early/mid 20th century Maori carved walking stick, the handle carved as an arched full figure, its hands going down the shaft above two reverse facing stylised figures and the dominant length of curvilinear and notch detail. The handle figure with…

A Maori tiki motif walking stick together with two Oceanic…

Oceanic Walking Sticks with Maori Tiki Motif

A Maori tiki motif walking stick together with two Oceanic style staffs, the maori stick with paua shell inlay, the longest 90 cm

Tokotoko - walking stick slender form with brass top, carved…

Brass-Topped Carved Tokotoko Walking Stick - 91cm Length

Tokotoko - walking stick slender form with brass top, carved figure to upper portion, length 91 cm

New Zealand Maori Chieftains walking stick, with plain tapered…

Maori Walking Stick with Carved Shaft

New Zealand Maori Chieftains walking stick, with plain tapered handle, the shaft continuously carved with figure and tongues, total length 89 cm

A late 19th century/early 20th century carved wooden tokotoko…

Carved Wooden Tokotoko Walking Stick with Manaia Masks

A late 19th century/early 20th century carved wooden tokotoko (walking stick), the top carved figure with one hand to the chest, the other to groin, over tiki mask and three further manaia masks, intricate all over notch, spiral and chevron decoration,…

An early/mid-20th century Maori carved tokotoko/walking stick,…

Maori Carved Tokotoko Walking Stick with Paua Inserts

An early/mid-20th century Maori carved tokotoko/walking stick, carved with stylised Maori figures and lineal and notch designs, ebonised finish, paua inserts, length 65.5 cm.

A carved Maori walking stick (tokotoko), of fairly flat profile…

Paua-eyed Maori Walking Stick with Stacked Tiki Figures

A carved Maori walking stick (tokotoko), of fairly flat profile with three tiki figures stacked to form the shaft. All with paua shell eyes. Reference No. 4577. Length 92 cm

An early/mid-20th century Maori carved tokotoko/walking stick,…

Maori Tokotoko Walking Stick with Stylized Figures

An early/mid-20th century Maori carved tokotoko/walking stick, the knob form handle above four pairs of graduating back-to-back stylised figures, paua inset eyes, spirals to the base, old varnish, length 88 cm.

Tokotoko (ceremonial walking stick), wahine with te moko, kuru…

Ceremonial Tokotoko with Moko and Traditional Items

Tokotoko (ceremonial walking stick), wahine with te moko, kuru and pipe. Metal tipped. 92 cm height

Tokotoko (ceremonial walking stick), tapering cylindrical form…

Wheku Tokotoko: Carved Maori Walking Stick

Tokotoko (ceremonial walking stick), tapering cylindrical form carved with a carved wheku head and rauponga decoration. 93 cm length

A late 19th century / early 20th century Maori carved tokotoko…

Maori Tokotoko Walking Stick with Weku Mask Carving

A late 19th century / early 20th century Maori carved tokotoko (walking stick). Large carved weku mask below handle. Length 81 cm

An early 20th century Maori carved walking stick, highlighted…

Maori Carved Walking Stick with Stylised Figure and Fern Leaves

An early 20th century Maori carved walking stick, highlighted with a single stylised figure, fern leaves and Kia Ora, knob finial. Length 90.5 cm.

A Maori carved walking stick carved with incipient masks inset…

Maori Walking Stick with Mask and Paua Eyes

A Maori carved walking stick carved with incipient masks inset with paua eyes, below a notch carved finial, the shaft carved with notch patterns, length 93.5 cm.

Wahine head Toko Toko (ceremonial walking stick), with moko and…

Wahine Toko Toko with Moko and Koru Adornment

Wahine head Toko Toko (ceremonial walking stick), with moko and koru neck adornment. Sticker label inscribed '1880 - 1910'. 96 cm length.

A walking stick (tokotoko). Carved from wood, this walking…

Paua-eyed Tokotoko Walking Stick with Brass Collar

A walking stick (tokotoko). Carved from wood, this walking stick has a design of a figure with paua shell eyes. The tokotoko has a brass femule and collar. Engraved in the collar are the letters 'H.L'. Length 86.5 cm, depth 2.5 cm

Mid 20th century walking stick, Maori carved handle and titled…

Maori Walking Stick with Carved Hemi Rangi Nui Handle

Mid 20th century walking stick, Maori carved handle and titled Hemi Rangi Nui, 87 cm long

A talking stick (tokotoko) chisel carved by master carver Mel…

Master Carver's Ornate Talking Stick

A talking stick (tokotoko) chisel carved by master carver Mel Manu (Ngapuhi). The traditional design of this tokotoko or talking stick is ornately carved entirely by hand, using chisel tools. Tokotoko is fashioned in the form of a walking stick and from…

An early/mid 20th century Maori carved tokotoko / walking stick,…

Maori Carved Walking Stick with Stylised Figure Handle

An early/mid 20th century Maori carved tokotoko / walking stick, the handle as a stylised standing figure above rows of lineal notch carving, length 94 cm.

A vintage Maori carved walking stick, the handle as a clenched…

Maori Carved Walking Stick with Fist Handle

A vintage Maori carved walking stick, the handle as a clenched fist, the shaft entirely carved with stylised figures, lizard (tuatara) form, scrolling designs, etc., dark brown stain finish. Length 96.5 cm

An early 20th century Maori carved walking stick, the wide…

Maori Carved Walking Stick, Early 20th Century

An early 20th century Maori carved walking stick, the wide tapered cylindrical shaft with five bands of lineal and notched carved detail, ebonised finish, showing some signs of age. Length 91.5 cm

A Maori carved walking stick, the finial as a clenched fist,…

Maori Carved Walking Stick with Tiki Figures and Lizards

A Maori carved walking stick, the finial as a clenched fist, the entire shaft carved with tiki figures, lizards, kowhaiwhai scrolls, etc. in low relief. Length 96 cm

An early/mid-20th century Maori carved malacca cane walking…

Maori Carved Malacca Walking Stick with Koru Designs

An early/mid-20th century Maori carved malacca cane walking stick, traditional curved handle, the shaft finely detailed with bands of various alternating lineal and notch and part form Koru designs, a stylised mask to the handle end and front, length 92…

A 20th century Maori carved tokotoko/walking stick, the handle…

Maori Walking Stick with Tiki Hand and Carvings

A 20th century Maori carved tokotoko/walking stick, the handle as a clasped tiki hand, bands of heart form koru and lineal and notch carving spaced by paua inserts, length 90 cm. Remnants of old tag attached.

Carved Maori tokotoko, the handle with a tiki figure with…

Maori Tokotoko with Tiki Figure and Paua Eyes

Carved Maori tokotoko, the handle with a tiki figure with inlaid paua shell eyes. Length 9 cm

An early 20th tokotoko, carved with traditional rauponga design…

An early 20th tokotoko, carved with traditional rauponga design and inlaid with paua, height 87.5,

A vintage Maori carved walking stick, with wheku heads carved…

Maori Walking Stick with Wheku Heads and Wrythen Carving

A vintage Maori carved walking stick, with wheku heads carved to the handle, the shaft with wrythen twist carving. Old insect damage, length 91 cm. Provenance: The estate collection of Michael Higgs, [Tribal Artefacts, Polynesian Arts & Crafts, Private &…

A Maori walking stick, carved hardwood, New Zealand origin,…

Maori Carved Walking Stick, Late 19th Century

A Maori walking stick, carved hardwood, New Zealand origin, late 19th century, 104 cm high

No image available

Maori Talking Stick by John S. Moore

A Maori tokotoko or 'talking stick', carved by John S. Moore, Cambridge

An early/mid-20th century Maori carved malacca cane walking…

Maori carved malacca cane walking stick

An early/mid-20th century Maori carved malacca cane walking stick, the shaft one-third carved with a band of stylised figures and fine lineal, notch and scroll decoration. 88 cm.

An early/mid-20th century Maori carved walking stick, the…

Maori Walking Stick with Carved Figure and Paua Eyes

An early/mid-20th century Maori carved walking stick, the handle base with stylised full standing figure, paua inset eyes, the reverse with notch carved name 'KING H.', various lineal, diamond and angled carving to the shaft, detailed 'KIA ORA' towards…

A carved wooden walking stick (tokotoko), of round cross…

Tiki-Inlaid Wooden Walking Stick

A carved wooden walking stick (tokotoko), of round cross section with tiki figures and paua inlays. Reference No. 4726