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.

16 items found:

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

Whalebone comb, flattened rectangular form, carved manaia face…

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

A 19th century or earlier Maori carved whale bone heru (comb),…

Damaged Maori Whale Bone Comb

A 19th century or earlier Maori carved whale bone heru (comb), extensively damaged. Registered Y20375.

A 19th century whalebone heru (hair comb), double sided, with…

19th Century Whalebone Double-Sided Hair Comb

A 19th century whalebone heru (hair comb), double sided, with two profile manaia cresting a koruru head above two divided blocks of tines, one block with the outer tine broken off. The face's eyes all with red sealing wax inlay, height 17 cm Y registered.…

A 19th century whalebone heru (hair comb), double sided, with a…

19th Century Whalebone Heru Hair Comb with Paua Inlays

A 19th century whalebone heru (hair comb), double sided, with a weku head, shoulders and arms above six tines. The face's eyes and 'crown' with paua inlays, height 17.5 cm Y registered. From the Collection of Hannah Martha Dillon, nee Carkeek (1881-1963).

A Paddle-Shaped club, probably from Cook Islands. Lanceolate…

Cook Islands Paddle Club with Feather and Fiber Ornamentation

A Paddle-Shaped club, probably from Cook Islands. Lanceolate blade with medial rib, slender handle ornamented with fibers woven into chevron design and feathers, front edge comprising a comb of teeth. Rich dark brown patina.mm, length 117 cm

A pre 19th century Maori bone heru (comb). Carved manaia type…

Maori Bone Heru with Manaia Figure and Tines

A pre 19th century Maori bone heru (comb). Carved manaia type figure to top (partially damaged). Four large tines (some missing). Length 11.5 cm

19th/20th century New Zealand whale bone hair comb beautifully…

Whale bone hair comb with tiki face and shell eyes

19th/20th century New Zealand whale bone hair comb beautifully carved and pierced with tiki face accented with shell eyes, above combs, height 20 cm. Provenance: Purchased bottom of the harbour, Sydney 2015, then private collection Sydney

Indonesian batik, two figure, signed Heru. 48 x 44 cm

Heru's Signed Batik: Two Figures

Indonesian batik, two figure, signed Heru. 48 x 44 cm

A late 19th century Maori whalebone heru by Patoromu Tamatea,…

Maori Whalebone Heru by Patoromu Tamatea

A late 19th century Maori whalebone heru by Patoromu Tamatea, finely detailed with stylised mask and notch detail, paua inset eyes, 8 present, 2 absent, 10 tines to the comb, height 14 cm. Note: Patoromu Tamatea was of the Ngati Tamateautahi hapu of Ngati…

Naively carved bone heru (hair comb) (damage), 14.5 cm

Damaged Bone Heru Hair Comb, 14.5 cm

Naively carved bone heru (hair comb) (damage), 14.5 cm

Section of a bone heru (comb), 5.5 x 3 cm

Bone Heru Comb Section - 5.5 x 3 cm

Section of a bone heru (comb), 5.5 x 3 cm

New Zealand Maori carved bone heru comb, with paua shell inlay,…

Maori Bone Comb with Shell Inlay and Booklet

New Zealand Maori carved bone heru comb, with paua shell inlay, length 16 cm, a/f with break, together with 'The Maori Hei-Tiki' booklet from the Otago Museum 1940 (2)

A whalebone hair comb, Aotearoa, heru (whalebone comb). Early…

Whalebone Hair Comb from Aotearoa

A whalebone hair comb, Aotearoa, heru (whalebone comb). Early whalebone comb. Combs such as this were used predominantly to hold the top knot in place with whalebone being the most revered. Heru became generational taonga and were passed down families.…

A rare Pre-European stone tooled carved heru (comb), finely…

Pre-European Stone-Tooled Heru Comb with Carved Features

A rare Pre-European stone tooled carved heru (comb), finely carved wood, with complete tines. Carved facial features to one side, Provenance: Wagner Museum collection. Northland, 25 cm length.

Two Paul Gyde carved bone pendants hei tiki & heru, 5.5 cm to 8…

Two Paul Gyde carved bone pendants hei tiki & heru, 5.5 cm to 8 cm. In fitted wooden boxes.

Heru Iwi, rare whalebone hair comb, pre- European period,…

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