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.

361 items found, 289-361 shown:

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

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Kuru pendant, small pendant made in Kawakawa variety stone with…

Kawakawa Kuru Pendant: Small Stone Charm

Kuru pendant, small pendant made in Kawakawa variety stone with rounded bottom and suspension hole at the top. 6 cm length.

Kuru pendant, Kawakawa stone with rounded bottom and suspension…

Kuru Pendant with Kawakawa Stone

Kuru pendant, Kawakawa stone with rounded bottom and suspension hole at the top. Small amount of fritting. Provenance: field collection. 10 cm length.

A 20th century Piupiu (Maori waist garment), made from mature…

Harakeke Piupiu with Taniko Band

A 20th century Piupiu (Maori waist garment), made from mature rolled Harakeke flax leaf tags, with two bands of black pigment and patterned taniko band with platted ties and tassels. 98 cm width

Early 20th century Piupiu (Maori waist garment), Kaupapa of…

Harakeke Piupiu: Traditional Maori Waist Garment

Early 20th century Piupiu (Maori waist garment), Kaupapa of natural and dyed harakeke (flax) with narrow woven waistband.

Early 20th century Piupiu (Maori waist garment), Kaupapa of…

Harakeke Piupiu: Traditional Maori Waist Garment

Early 20th century Piupiu (Maori waist garment), Kaupapa of natural and dyed harakeke (flax) with narrow woven waistband.

Large and impressive 19th century pounamu kuru pendant,…

19th Century Kawakawa Pounamu Kuru Pendant

Large and impressive 19th century pounamu kuru pendant, Kawakawa variety stone. Wider at top tapering to a small rounded end. Countersunk suspension hole with two silver rings. 16 cm length.

A serpentine amulet, pierced for suspension with two…

Serpentine Amulet with Notches and Holes

A serpentine amulet, pierced for suspension with two countersunk holes and thirty-two notches around the outside edge. Provenance: Oyster Island, Nelson, 6 cm x 4 cm.

Pre European pounamu koropepe manaia pendant, Tangiwai variety…

Tangiwai Pounamu Koropepe Manaia Pendant

Pre European pounamu koropepe manaia pendant, Tangiwai variety with white inclusions. Rounded form with notches to the outside rim. Pierced for suspension. 6.5 cm diameter.

A 19th century taiaha (fighting staff), the broad arero…

Rauponga-carved Taiaha with Paua Eyes

A 19th century taiaha (fighting staff), the broad arero (tongue) finely carved with rauponga spirals. Upoko (head) displays a prominent mouth with elliptical paua eyes (one absent) and slender tapering shaft with rounded end. Muka bound collar. 148 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.

Stone pendant, countersunk suspension hole. 5.5 cm length.

5.5cm Stone Pendant with Countersunk Suspension Hole

Stone pendant, countersunk suspension hole. 5.5 cm length.

Kuru pendant, Tangiwai (bowenite) showing fine grain.…

Tangiwai Kuru Pendant with Countersunk Suspension Hole

Kuru pendant, Tangiwai (bowenite) showing fine grain. Countersunk suspension hole. 10 cm length.

Tangiwai (Bowenite) kuru pendant, translucent fine-grained…

Tangiwai Bowenite Pendant with Gold Ring - 10cm

Tangiwai (Bowenite) kuru pendant, translucent fine-grained stone, offset countersunk hole with gold suspension ring. 10 cm length.

Pounamu kuru pendant, Inanga pounamu with pale inclusions.…

Inanga Pounamu Kuru Pendant with Scarfing and Inclusions

Pounamu kuru pendant, Inanga pounamu with pale inclusions. Slightly curved body. Lapidary scarfing and small scar to the upper section. Countersunk suspension hole. 17 cm length.

A good and rare 18th century taiaha (fighting staff), with…

18th Century Taiaha with Rauponga Spirals and Paua Eyes

A good and rare 18th century taiaha (fighting staff), with finely carved rauponga spirals on arero (tongue). Serrated paua shell eyes. The collar with ochre dyed wool. Tapering shaft with rounded end. Provenance: mark Eglington tribal Art, Jerry Bock…

A fine 18th century hei tiki, type II female form well carved…

18th Century Female Hei Tiki in Kahurangi Stone

A fine 18th century hei tiki, type II female form well carved in Kahurangi variety stone, face displays small recessed eyes, chin and ear projections with right index finger held to a finely rendered heart-shaped mouth. Well defined three-fingered hands…

Pounamu hei tiki by Scott Parker (ngati Tama), a rarer type II…

Inanga Pounamu Hei Tiki by Scott Parker

Pounamu hei tiki by Scott Parker (ngati Tama), a rarer type II style hei tiki carved in inanga variety stone. The head shows a rightward orientation with chin and ear projections and the eyes are inlaid with serrated paua shell. The right-hand displays…

Pounamu hei tiki by Scott Parker (ngati Tama), a good 20th…

Ngati Tama Pounamu Hei Tiki by Scott Parker

Pounamu hei tiki by Scott Parker (ngati Tama), a good 20th century hei tiki carved in the classic type I style in the inanga stone variety. The head displays a rightward orientation with inlaid serrated paua eyes upon a delineated neck with three ribs and…

Pounamu hei tiki by Scott Parker (ngati Tama), a good 20th…

Polished Pounamu Hei Tiki with Inlaid Paua Eyes

Pounamu hei tiki by Scott Parker (ngati Tama), a good 20th century example of the classic hei tiki type I style. Superbly carved in highly polished Kawakawa variety stone with both hands to the thighs and head tilted to the right with inlaid serrated paua…

Small pounamu hei tiki, type I form carved in Bowenite variety…

Bowenite Hei Tiki Pendant with Red Eyes

Small pounamu hei tiki, type I form carved in Bowenite variety stone, eyes embellished with red ceiling wax. Countersunk suspension hole at the top. 5 cm length.

A pounamu hei tiki by Alan brown (ngati Ruaka), a superbly…

Inanga Pounamu Hei Tiki by Alan Brown

A pounamu hei tiki by Alan brown (ngati Ruaka), a superbly carved 20th century example of the classic type I hei tiki form made in chatoyant inanga variety stone from the Arahura river. The head displays a rightward orientation with deeply recessed eyes…

Pounamu hei tiki by Des Baker, Kawakawa variety stone with…

Kawakawa Pounamu Hei Tiki with Marsden Inclusions

Pounamu hei tiki by Des Baker, Kawakawa variety stone with Marsden inclusions. Well carved in the classical type I style pierced through the top of the head for suspension. 10 cm length

Scott Parker pounamu manaia pendant, carved in inanga variety…

Inanga Pounamu Manaia Pendant with Silver Eyes

Scott Parker pounamu manaia pendant, carved in inanga variety stone. Sliver eyes circular and serrated. Attached binding and hand-made wooden box. 8 cm length

An Aurei whalebone cloak pin, Aotearoa, chiefly Aurei (marine…

Aurei Whalebone Cloak Pin from Aotearoa

An Aurei whalebone cloak pin, Aotearoa, chiefly Aurei (marine ivory cloak pin). Aurei were fashioned from whalebone, whale teeth, greenstone and shell; whale teeth were the most prised. The term Au stems from the old Polynesian for needle and Rei refers…

A New Zealand folk art hei tiki, carved from wood. A hei tiki…

Black and Red Hei Tiki on Stand with "Kia Ora"

A New Zealand folk art hei tiki, carved from wood. A hei tiki form with hands resting on thighs and head turned to the left shoulder. On a stand with carved 'Kia Ora'. Coloured black with red detailing of the tongue and eyes, height 26.5 cm, width 18.2 cm…

A New Zealand folk art carved figure, carved from wood.…

Hei Tiki Figure with Patu and Paua Shell Eyes

A New Zealand folk art carved figure, carved from wood. Depicting a hei tiki figure holding a patu over-head. The figure has paua shell eye inlays and has been coloured black, height 19.3 cm, width 9.5 cm, depth 4.7 cm

A concrete cast hei tiki, coloured green with paint. With…

Green Concrete Hei Tiki Pendant

A concrete cast hei tiki, coloured green with paint. With central pierced hole for suspension. Length 35.5 cm, width 20 cm, depth 2 cm

A 19th century pounamu Maori hei tiki with gold repairs, with…

Gold-repaired Maori Hei Tiki Pendant

A 19th century pounamu Maori hei tiki with gold repairs, with chin to left shoulder., the right hand to chest and left to thigh, cracked through and with two rose gold pinned bar repairs, length 11 cm.

A very small pounamu hei tiki, of unusual blue toned stone,…

Blue Pounamu Hei Tiki with Paua Inset Eyes

A very small pounamu hei tiki, of unusual blue toned stone, with head tilted, chin to left shoulder, paua inset eyes, flexed stance with hands to thighs, height 5.5 cm

An unusual bone hei tiki, with lower abdomen and legs carved to…

Unusual Bone Hei Tiki with Secondary Head and Paua Inset

An unusual bone hei tiki, with lower abdomen and legs carved to display a secondary head, the main head with paua inset pupils, arms asymmetrically positioned with one hand raised to mouth and the other to chest. Double suspension hole to back of head,…

A superb 18th century hei tiki, type I form with both hands to…

18th Century Kahurangi Pounamu Hei Tiki

A superb 18th century hei tiki, type I form with both hands to thighs, carved in highly prized Kahurangi pounamu. Facial features finely carved but worn, inlaid paua eyes and red ceiling wax embellishment. Some natural scaring to the back of the head.…

An impressive 18th century hei tiki, carved in kawakawa variety…

18th Century Kawakawa Stone Hei Tiki

An impressive 18th century hei tiki, carved in kawakawa variety stone. Well defined facial features with deeply recessed double ringed eyes clear nasal ridge and mouth displaying three teeth. Thick muscular shoulders and torso carved with three ribs, both…

A rare and important 18th century hei tiki, type II form with…

Rare 18th Century Hei Tiki in Grey Stone

A rare and important 18th century hei tiki, type II form with left hand resting on the chest carved in unusual grey stone with white inclusions, Provenance; Dr. Carlo Monzino (1931-1996) collection, purchased at Sotheby's New York 2006

Early 20th century hei tiki, Kawakawa variety stone,…

Kawakawa Hei Tiki with Rudimentary Features

Early 20th century hei tiki, Kawakawa variety stone, rudimentary facial features, both arms resting on thighs. Lower leg section broken away, 6 cm length.

Early 20th century hei tiki, Inanga variety stone. Type I with…

Inanga Hei Tiki Pendant, Early 20th Century

Early 20th century hei tiki, Inanga variety stone. Type I with large recessed eyes, asymmetric nose and mouth displaying two teeth. Rudimentary hands to thighs. Suspension hole to the top of head, 10 cm length.

Small shell hei matau (fishhook), 2.5 cm length.

Small Shell Fishhook Pendant

Small shell hei matau (fishhook), 2.5 cm length.

A tewhatewha, carved wood with feather and shell adornment, 137…

Feathered Tewhatewha: Carved Wood with Shell Adornments

A tewhatewha, carved wood with feather and shell adornment, 137 cm height

Whale tooth pendant with pounamu toggle, 12 cm length

Whale Tooth Pendant with Pounamu Toggle Necklace

Whale tooth pendant with pounamu toggle, 12 cm length

A Piupiu (Maori waist garment), 55 cm length

Maori Piupiu: 55cm Waist Garment

A Piupiu (Maori waist garment), 55 cm length

Assorted items from Papua New Guinea, including; a hafted adze,…

Papua New Guinea's Cultural Treasures

Assorted items from Papua New Guinea, including; a hafted adze, shell currency, body adornment, a carved wood figure, pounder, penis gourd, and others.

A Presentation Hei Tiki Gifted to King Edward VIII. The Hei…

Hei Tiki Gift: A Royal Presentation from New Zealand

A Presentation Hei Tiki Gifted to King Edward VIII. The Hei tiki was presented to the then Prince of Wales during a visit to West Harbour, Dunedin, as part of his 1920 royal tour of New Zealand and the greater commonwealth. He received a grand welcome…

A Maori pre-European pounamu hei tiki, type II, of female form,…

A Maori pre-European pounamu hei tiki, type II, of female form, well carved with head turned to the left shoulder, displays small recessed ring eyes, chin and ear projections, the counter sunk suspension hole dominantly drilled from the reverse one hand…

A Maori carved whalebone hei tiki, type I, shape a, of good…

A Maori carved whalebone hei tiki, type I, shape a, of good size, with scroll line and notch detail, the paua set eyes with red sealing wax outer rings, height 13 cm.

A contemporary Maori carved pounamu hei tiki, ' B ' type, head…

A contemporary Maori carved pounamu hei tiki, ' B ' type, head turned to left shoulder, three finger hand to chest and thigh. Of good depth. Kawakawa nephrite, height 11 cm

Te Kaha carved pounamu hei toki with certificate 2016. Te Kaha…

Te Kaha carved pounamu hei toki with certificate 2016. Te Kaha is a master pounamu practitioner, educator and spokesperson who has honed his skillset and craft over three decades. Te Kaha's pounamu pieces have gained a reputation nationally and…

Te Kaha carved pounamu (chatoyant tangiwai) large rei niho (eye…

Te Kaha carved pounamu (chatoyant tangiwai) large rei niho (eye tooth) pendant with certificate 2019, length 7.2 cm.

Te Kaha carved pounamu (gem inanga) rei niho (eye tooth)…

Te Kaha carved pounamu (gem inanga) rei niho (eye tooth) pendant with certificate 2018, length 6.8 cm.

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.

An 18th century hei tiki, a type I hei tiki carved in inanga…

An 18th century hei tiki, a type I hei tiki carved in inanga variety stone with unusual leftward tilt to the head. Widely recessed eyes and mouth showing two teeth. One broken out countersunk suspension hole, one intact indicating its great age, height 6…

A good 18th century hei tiki, type I form with hands to thighs…

A good 18th century hei tiki, type I form with hands to thighs carved in Kawakawa variety stone. Well defined facial features with cut paua eyes and mouth displaying tongue and teeth. Thick muscular body with elbow projections and well defined fingers.…

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,

An 18th century hei tiki, a female type I hei tiki carved in…

An 18th century hei tiki, a female type I hei tiki carved in Kawakawa variety stone. Clearly defined facial features with wide deeply recessed eyes, nasal bridge and mouth with teeth. Two broken-out suspension holes indicating her significant age, height…

An 18th century hei tiki, a type I hei tiki fashioned from an…

An 18th century hei tiki, a type I hei tiki fashioned from an inanga stone toki. Countersunk suspension hole and scarf markings evident on the back, height 7.5 cm,

A superb Robyn Stewart fish hook or hei matau stylised pottery…

Stunning Green and Black Pottery Fish Hook with Fiber Lashing

A superb Robyn Stewart fish hook or hei matau stylised pottery fish hook (hei matau) with burnished slip glaze effects in green with black highlights; complete with plaited fibre lashing

An 18th century hei tiki, a type I hei tiki carved in inanga…

18th Century Inanga Hei Tiki Carved in Pale Stone

An 18th century hei tiki, a type I hei tiki carved in inanga variety stone which was fired and the blackened surface ground back to reveal the milky pale inner stone. The head is tilted to the left and displays triple ringed recessed eyes, detailed nasal…

A large 18th century hei tiki, a classic type I hei tiki carved…

A large 18th century hei tiki, a classic type I hei tiki carved in pale opaque inanga variety stone refashioned from an adze. Facial features display widely recessed triple ringed eyes, a raised nasal bridge, and heart shaped mouth with a long tongue and…

A large 18th century hei tiki, a classic type I hei tiki carved…

18th Century Hei Tiki Carved in Pale Inanga Stone

A large 18th century hei tiki, a classic type I hei tiki carved in pale opaque inanga variety stone with pale inclusions, most likely refashioned from an adze. The finely carved facial features display widely recessed triple ringed eyes, a finely detailed…

An 18th century hei tiki, a type I form carved in kawakawa…

18th Century Hei Tiki Carved in Kawakawa Stone, Provenance Webster

An 18th century hei tiki, a type I form carved in kawakawa variety stone most likely fashioned from an adze. The face displays triple ringed eyes embellished with red sealing wax (added later). Natural scars to the stone and countersunk suspension hole.…

A finely carved 18th century hei tiki, this superbly carved…

18th Century Hybrid Hei Tiki Carved in Kawakawa Stone

A finely carved 18th century hei tiki, this superbly carved example is an unusual hybird of the two forms displaying a typical type II head with a defined neck, ear and chin projections surmounting a classic type I body with both the three fingered hands…

A superb large and impressive 18th century hei tiki, a good…

A superb large and impressive 18th century hei tiki, a good example of a large early type II form carved in pale opaque inanga. The head shows a leftward orientation with shallow eye rings forming a wide flat nose and a mouth with tongue and two teeth.…

An 18th century hei tiki, a classic type II form carved in the…

18th Century Hei Tiki in Flawless Kahurangi Stone, 10cm Length

An 18th century hei tiki, a classic type II form carved in the highly prized flawless kahurangi variety stone. The head is tilted to the left with facial features displaying small deeply recessed eyes, diamond pattern carved to the nasal ridge and small…

An 18th century hei tiki, this type II form was carved in the…

18th Century Inanga Hei Tiki Carving with Type II Features

An 18th century hei tiki, this type II form was carved in the highly prized pale silvery inanga variety stone. The head is tilted to the left and displays the ear and chin projection typical of the type II form. The nose it slightly raised and the heart…

A superb 18th century hei tiki, a fine example a type I form…

18th Century Kahurangi Hei Tiki: J.B. Stevenson Collection Acquisition

A superb 18th century hei tiki, a fine example a type I form carved in the highly prized Kahurangi variety stone. The head is tilted to the left, the triple ringed eyes are embellished with red sealing wax (added later), the mouth and nose are well…

A superb 18th century hei tiki, one of the smallest but most…

A superb 18th century hei tiki, one of the smallest but most delicate and beautiful of the hei tiki in the collection. This type I form carved in kawakawa variety stone displays rare serrated cut paua set into the eye rings suggesting significant age. The…

A superb large 18th century hei tiki, a Suberb example of an…

Rare 18th Century Kahurangi Stone Hei Tiki - Female Figure

A superb large 18th century hei tiki, a Suberb example of an early type II hei tiki carved in the highly prized flawless kahurangi stone. The head displays intact ear and chin projections, small recessed eyes with surmounting crescent shaped eyebrow…

A large and impressive 18th century hei tiki, a large heavy…

18th Century Kawakawa Stone Hei Tiki from Arthur Maitland Hughes

A large and impressive 18th century hei tiki, a large heavy muscular classic type I hei tiki carved in kawakawa variety stone. This example is in superb condition given its significant age and shows very little ware to the carved surface. The triple…

A good large 18th century hei tiki, a fine example of an early…

18th Century Pale Inanga Stone Hei Tiki Figure

A good large 18th century hei tiki, a fine example of an early type II hei tiki carved in pale inanga stone. The head displays intact ear and chin projections, a raised nasal bridge extending to the peaked forehead and small recessed eyes with surmounting…

An 18th century hei tiki, a classic type I hei tiki carved in…

18th Century Kawakawa Hei Tiki from J.B. Stevenson Collection

An 18th century hei tiki, a classic type I hei tiki carved in kawakawa variety stone, refashioned from an adze. The head is tilted to the right and displays clearly detailed facial features with widely recessed eyes, diamond pattern to the nasal bridge…

An 18th century hei tiki, a classic type I hei tiki with the…

18th Century Kawakawa Hei Tiki with Stone-Drilled Suspension Holes

An 18th century hei tiki, a classic type I hei tiki with the head tilted to the right carved in kawakawa variety stone. The face displays widely recessed eyes with traces of red sealing wax (added later), the nasal bridge is worn but the nostril markings…

An early 19th century kapeu (ear pendant), carved from flawless…

An early 19th century kapeu (ear pendant), carved from flawless inanga variety stone with a small countersunk suspension hole. Provenance: from the family collection of G.I. Black, purchased around 1905. Later purchased from Haywards auctions in 2003.…

A 19th century pounamu kuru (pendant), Kawakawa variety stone…

A 19th century pounamu kuru (pendant), Kawakawa variety stone with large countersunk suspension hole. Provenance: purchased at Sotheby's London in 1980. Length: 11 cm.

A 19th century pounamu kuru (pendant), carved in Inanga variety…

A 19th century pounamu kuru (pendant), carved in Inanga variety stone with pale feathery inclusions. Provenance: purchased at Sotheby's London in 1980. Length: 9.5 cm.

A contemporary large Maori carved pounamu pendant, plain…

A contemporary large Maori carved pounamu pendant, plain elegant mildly concave disc form, the twin notch detail with raised lip to the back. Good mid/dark tone with snow flake inclusions. W.7.3 cm.