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.

18 items found:

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

Steve Myrhe Tangiwai greenstone single drop earring, elongated…

Tangiwai Greenstone Fish Earring

Steve Myrhe Tangiwai greenstone single drop earring, elongated stylised 'fish' form. Length 8.1 cm

A contemporary Maori carved koauau (flute), the exterior…

Maori Carved Koauau on Antler Stand

A contemporary Maori carved koauau (flute), the exterior profusely carved with Maori motifs, on antler stand. Maker's mark of three crossed fish. Height 18 cm

A Maori folk art carved frame for a mantel clock, with a koruru…

Maori Mantel Clock Frame with Koruru and Fish Carvings

A Maori folk art carved frame for a mantel clock, with a koruru head flanked by fish, above linked pairs of dolphin tails, width 47 cm. Provenance: The estate collection of Michael Higgs, (Tribal Artefacts, Polynesian Arts & Crafts, Private & Museum…

Carved greenstone fish pendant, with plated surround, size: 7…

Greenstone Fish Pendant with Plated Surround

Carved greenstone fish pendant, with plated surround, size: 7 cm diameter including bale

A rare Micronesian fishing tackle box

Micronesian Fishing Tackle Box Rarity

A rare Micronesian fishing tackle box

Three fishing nets (pouraka) and one flax and supplejack fish…

Fishing Nets and Trap by Renata Tihore

Three fishing nets (pouraka) and one flax and supplejack fish trap (torehe), made by Renata Tihore (ngati Porou), Hicks Bay for the 'Feathers and Fibre' exhibition Rotorua Art gallery, 1982

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

Mahi K?hatu, worked stone, a symmetrical cylindrical [?] Maori…

Mahi K?hatu, worked stone, a symmetrical cylindrical [?] Maori fishing stone, round hole drilled through the length of the stone, all edges and surfaces worn smooth, length 13 cm approx. Provenance: Estate of John Lawford

Cordage, a rare example of early aho (fishing line) finely…

Fine Plaited Flax Cordage for Fishing

Cordage, a rare example of early aho (fishing line) finely plaited from muka (flax fibre). Length 20 cm. Width 3 cm

A Maori carved pounamu boulder, Taranga (Mother-of-Maui), the…

Maori Pounamu Boulder: Taranga and Maui Mythology

A Maori carved pounamu boulder, Taranga (Mother-of-Maui), the stylised figure with fish tail embracing a female. According to Maori mythology when Maui was born prematurely Taranga (his mother) wrapped his body in her hair and threw into him into the…

A pair of large mid-20th century Maori carved panels, stylised…

Maori Carved Panels with Paua Shell Inserts

A pair of large mid-20th century Maori carved panels, stylised figures, one with a fish to his mouth holding two paua shells, the other holding his forked tongue, deep relief. Dominant red paint with black highlights and further paua shell inserts to eyes…

Hinaki - eel trap. Hinaki (eel/fish trap) were used to catch…

Manuka and Muka Hinaki Eel Trap

Hinaki - eel trap. Hinaki (eel/fish trap) were used to catch koaro fish. Slim manuka stems and dressed muka (flax fibre) cord are woven to form it's body. This is a fine example of the torotika method of weaving; where the stems are arranged…

A hand-chiselled pou by master carver Mel Manu. Te Rangitane O…

Maori Wood Carving: Te Rangitane O Manawatu Pou

A hand-chiselled pou by master carver Mel Manu. Te Rangitane O Manawatu. The art of whakairo or Maori wood carving is no better represented than in this carving of a pou, intricately hand chiselled in the Manawatu-Whanganui style. Carved during 2002 and…

Maori hand club wahaika, this hardwood club is finely incised…

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…

A pre 19th century carved Maori wooden Tauihu (fishing canoe…

Maori Tauihu: Ancient Wooden Fishing Canoe Prow

A pre 19th century carved Maori wooden Tauihu (fishing canoe prow). Of archaic form with prominent mouth, small eyes and 'Stepped' head. Large rectangular lashing holes. Length 48 cm

A rare and important pake, rain cape, Aotearoa, pre-contact…

Rare Pre-Contact Rain Cape from Aotearoa

A rare and important pake, rain cape, Aotearoa, pre-contact period. One of the rarest and finest examples to be seen anywhere in the world. This particular example was removed from Aotearoa immediately following the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera by…

An uncommon pre-European Maori carved inunga pounamu hei tiki,…

Maori Inunga Pounamu Hei Tiki Pendant

An uncommon pre-European Maori carved inunga pounamu hei tiki, good proportions and traditional form, chin to the left, hands to thighs, three tapered hourglass drilled and concealed suspension holes to the back top of head, one broken through, natural…