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.

19 items found:

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

Iron trade bird spear point, a rare object in the form of an…

Rare Iron Trade Bird Spear Point

Iron trade bird spear point, a rare object in the form of an early bird-hunting spear point with seven barbs. These points would have been traded to Maori in the 18th/19th century. Length 14.5 cm. Width 1 cm

A carved Maori double barrel Shotgun by W C Scott & Son. Carved…

Maori Carved Shotgun by W C Scott & Son

A carved Maori double barrel Shotgun by W C Scott & Son. Carved all over stock in swirled design with paua shell inlay. Verso carved in linear pattern. Note: gun license required. Provenance: Previously purchased from Art and object

A carved Maori double barrel Shotgun, with ramrod. By James W…

Maori Carved Double Barrel Shotgun by James W Rosier

A carved Maori double barrel Shotgun, with ramrod. By James W Rosier. Stock carved all over in a rauponga pattern and haliotis (blackfoot paua) shell inlays to one side. Butt with heel and tow plates. Note: gun licensed required

New Zealand Maori wars cannon ball, weight: 9 poun. Diameter.…

Maori War Cannonball: 9lb, 10cm Diameter

New Zealand Maori wars cannon ball, weight: 9 poun. Diameter. Diameter 10 cm

Two early 20th century Maori carved figures. Woman in cloak…

Maori Carved Figures, Hoko Pai Signed, 20th Century

Two early 20th century Maori carved figures. Woman in cloak with stone club, & male warrior. Spear has losses. Signed 'Hoko Pai' under base. Height 33 cm

Rare tao (spear). A rare type of early weapon. Elongated…

Rare Tao Spear with Three Barbs

Rare tao (spear). A rare type of early weapon. Elongated tubular form with pointed ends and three barbs to head. Fine, rich dark patina. Length 218 cm. Width 2.5 cm.

Superb and Important Hoeroa. This rare traditional whalebone…

Rare Hoeroa: Exceptional Whalebone Weapon of Prestigious Warriors

Superb and Important Hoeroa. This rare traditional whalebone long club was used as a striking weapon, stabbing spear, and missile weapon and was made from the lower jaw of the sperm whale. The is shaped to a transverse, convex edge and the top is finely…

Two various antique carved wood New Zealand Maori swords,…

Pair of Antique Maori Carved Wood Swords

Two various antique carved wood New Zealand Maori swords, including sword with hand carved handle and 'blade' (small losses), and another (also with small loss to hilt). Length 77 cm and 70 cm

An unusual Maori folk art carved swordfish bill fitted to a…

Maori Swordfish Bill Carved with Manaia and Paua Eyes

An unusual Maori folk art carved swordfish bill fitted to a wooden hilt as a 'sword', the bill carved in low relief with a manaia with inset paua eyes, whorl and notch patterns, the hilt butt knob carved as a profile manaia head, length 180 cm

19th century pouwhenua (long handled weapon), possible kohekohe…

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

A rare stingray barb bird spear tip

Stingray Barb Bird Spear Tip

A rare stingray barb bird spear tip

A 19th century tewhatewha with hawk bundles, fine tewhatewha in…

Hawk Feathered Tewhatewha on Presentation Stand

A 19th century tewhatewha with hawk bundles, fine tewhatewha in orthodox form with axe shaped blade leading to a flattened cylindrical shaft and spear point. Below the distinctive blade of the tewhatewha hangs an early ball of karearea (New Zealand…

A 19th century Pouwhenua, robust early pouwhenua of smaller…

Robust Pouwhenua Weapon with Elegant Design

A 19th century Pouwhenua, robust early pouwhenua of smaller proportions. The pouwhenua is an elegant and highly effective weapon with a superior robust rau (blade) than the more common taiaha; pouwhenua were a formidable weapon made for war. This superb…

A rare and important 19th century kotaha ( spear whip), the…

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…

Bone spear barb, rounded end with six barbs. 17.5 cm.

Barb Bone Spear with Six Rounded Ends

Bone spear barb, rounded end with six barbs. 17.5 cm.

Bone spear point, three consecutive barbs terminating in a…

Tri-barbed Bone Spear Point (10cm)

Bone spear point, three consecutive barbs terminating in a sharp point. 10 cm length.

19th century pouwhenua (long handled pointed fighting staff),…

Carved 19th Century Pouwhenua Fighting Staff

19th century pouwhenua (long handled pointed fighting staff), with a carved tapering pointed blade with haehae and whakarare decoration. The center of the handle with a finely carved wheku head with paua shell eyes. The handle terminating in a further…

Three Maori whale bone spear tips, one carved with a wheku head.

Maori Whale Bone Spears with Wheku Carving

Three Maori whale bone spear tips, one carved with a wheku head.

Maori wars cannon ball, spherical stone.

Maori War Spherical Stone Cannonball

Maori wars cannon ball, spherical stone.