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.

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A carved Maori wooden sculpture by master carver James Rickard,…

Paua-eyed Maori Wooden Sculpture by James Rickard

A carved Maori wooden sculpture by master carver James Rickard, 'Koha' paua inset eyes. Length 142 cm. Width 40 cm.

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

A large pre-European Maori carved pounamu damaged hei tiki,…

Damaged Maori Pounamu Hei Tiki with Fire Discolouration

A large pre-European Maori carved pounamu damaged hei tiki, showing evidence of fire discolouration, pale to mid-grey tone with tan inclusions, head to left shoulder, hands to thighs, the legs snapped off and absent. Note: An early 20th century note…

A 19th/20th century Maori carved female figured post ex.…

Maori Female Figure Post with Hei Tiki and Patu

A 19th/20th century Maori carved female figured post ex. Whakarewarewa Village Rotorua her chin with moko traces, a cloak with remains of diamond patterning in red, white and black paint and taniko detail wrapped around her shoulders, a large green…

A 19th/20th century Maori carved female figured post ex.…

Maori Female Carved Post with Hei Tiki Necklace

A 19th/20th century Maori carved female figured post ex. Whakarewarewa Village the female figure with chin moko, a cloak with remains of white paint and taniko detail wrapped around her shoulders, a large green painted hei tiki hangs around her neck, a…

A carved Maori panel with paua shell inlay, monogrammed on the…

Maori Panel with Paua Shell Inlay and Monogram

A carved Maori panel with paua shell inlay, monogrammed on the back 'T.W.' circa 1900, 28 x 143 cm

A good 19th century large Maori carved pipe bowl, finely carved…

Large 19th Century Maori Carved Pipe Bowl

A good 19th century large Maori carved pipe bowl, finely carved in good deep relief with a stylised full male figure to the front and base, tongue extended, genitals present, a further conforming stylised mask to each side, good dark original patina.…

A pre 19th century Maori carved Ipu (Spouted bowl). This rare…

Maori Ipu with Haka Figure

A pre 19th century Maori carved Ipu (Spouted bowl). This rare form of kumete was possibly used to pour preserving bird fat into gourds. The figure to underside in haka pose with defined ribs and extended tongue. Length 39 cm

A 19th century Maori carved kumete, the figure supported bowl…

19th Century Maori Carved Kumete

A 19th century Maori carved kumete, the figure supported bowl of oval form with flat rim, the front figure with clasped hands and extended tongue, finely carved, the larger figure to the other end of larger form, arms extended back towards the rim, the…

An old 19th/20th century Maori carved stylised figured post ex.…

Maori Stylised Figure Post from Whakarewarewa Village

An old 19th/20th century Maori carved stylised figured post ex. Whakarewarewa Village, the red painted stylised figure with notch carved detail, red paint finish. Rising from a square section painted post with diamond notched rail space. Height 153.5 cm.…

An old large Maori carved figured post, the tall stylised…

Large Maori Carved Figure Post with Taiaha and Mere

An old large Maori carved figured post, the tall stylised figure with detailed moko, pronounced arched back with his right leg upon a further stylised head, he holds a taiaha to his right hand and a raised mere to his left, further stylised figures to the…

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

Mid-20th Century Maori Carved Figure Panels

A pair of mid-20th century large Maori carved figured panels, the man with lineal scrolls with notched detail, full moko and three Huia feathers to his hair, supported on a part-stylised mask, the stylised woman in similar form holding two carved gourds,…

19th century Maori carved wooden kotiate. The blade heavily…

Maori Kotiate with Whakarare Pattern and Weku Style Face

19th century Maori carved wooden kotiate. The blade heavily incised in a whakarare pattern with large weku style face to butt, paua shell eyes and square suspension hole. Length 36 cm

A 19th century Maori carved whalebone kotiate (hand club), the…

Maori Whalebone Hand Club with Mask Head Butt Knob

A 19th century Maori carved whalebone kotiate (hand club), the butt knob carved as a profile mask head with ring eyes, drilled suspension hole, smooth all over patina. The traditional kidney form carved blades with two 'eyelets'. Length 29 cm.

Early 20th century carved Maori whare facade boards, the amo…

Maori Whare Facade Boards with Carvings and Paint

Early 20th century carved Maori whare facade boards, the amo (vertical supporting boards) each with three main stylised figures and multiple masks, old red paint showing some distress, remains of paua shell discs to eyes, the maihi boards with conforming…

A 19th century Maori carved tewhatewha. Extensive haehae and…

Maori Carved Tewhatewha with Double Weku Masks

A 19th century Maori carved tewhatewha. Extensive haehae and pakati carving to blade, double weku masks to shaft with paua shell inset. Drilled suspension hole to blade. Height 120 cm

A 19th century / early 20th century Maori carved wooden pare…

Maori Carved Wooden Pare with Manaia Figures

A 19th century / early 20th century Maori carved wooden pare (lintel). Large manaia figures to each end and pierced central figure with hands to each side of face. Haehae and pakati decoration. Paua shell inset eyes. Lashing holes to reverse, slots…

A pair of late 19th century / early 20th century carved Maori…

Carved Maori Supports with Geometric Patterns

A pair of late 19th century / early 20th century carved Maori supports of unknown architectural origin. All four sides of each support deeply carved with various recurring geometric patterns. Length 195 cm, width approx 9 cm (ea)

19th century or late 18th century Maori carved figure (possibly…

Red-stained Maori Carved Figure with Geometric Spiral Design

19th century or late 18th century Maori carved figure (possibly a tekoteko). Red stained with faint traces of paint to eyes. Carved female moku to chin with both hands to stomach. Geometric spiral and notch carving to body. Height 61 cm, width 20 cm,…

Chiefly taiaha, intricately carved tongue with haehae and…

Intricately Carved Taiaha: Maori Close-Quarters Weapon

Chiefly taiaha, intricately carved tongue with haehae and pakati notching, strong mouth with spiral carving leading to a well defined nose and eyes which are missing paua inlays. Well balance flattened cylindrical shaft leading to a flared striking edge…

Carved Maori pou post, the ancestral figure with ta moko and…

Maori Pou Post with Ta Moko and Paua Shell Eyes

Carved Maori pou post, the ancestral figure with ta moko and paua shell eyes. The body with decorative haehae carving and with three fingers clasped together at the abdomen, Y17541. Height 148 cm

A pre-European Maori carved pounamu hei tiki, traditional form…

Maori Pounamu Hei Tiki Pendant

A pre-European Maori carved pounamu hei tiki, traditional form with head to left shoulder, hands to thighs, concealed notch and hourglass cut suspension hole broken through, pale to mid-green/grey tone with pale tan and dark included highlights. Length 9…

A pre 19th century Maori carved wooden taiaha. Of unusually…

Long Maori Taiaha with Haehae and Paua Shell Eyes

A pre 19th century Maori carved wooden taiaha. Of unusually long length, haehae and pakati decoration to tongue, oval paua shell eyes to stylised mask. Squared base. Length 192 cm

A 19th century Maori carved toki kakauroa (long handled…

Maori Carved Toki Kakauroa with Mortimer Trade Axe Head

A 19th century Maori carved toki kakauroa (long handled Hatchet). The trade axe head stamped 'Mortimer'. The shaft with two weku masks with red sealing wax eyes. Haehae and pakati decoration. Height 134 cm

A rare late 19th early 20th century Maori carved kauri figure…

Maori Kauri Inkwell Figure with Fine Carving

A rare late 19th early 20th century Maori carved kauri figure supported inkwell fine detailed carving, one figure supported on the back of a kneeling figure, all on an oval base, the bowl with original glass inkwell and black stained finish, paua inset…

Northland, possibly Ex Wagener Museum wooden carved Maori…

Red Stained Spiral Carved Maori Figure

Northland, possibly Ex Wagener Museum wooden carved Maori figure. Red stained figure with spiral carved thighs and buttocks and carved spiral to centre of back. Split to face and abdomen. Height 46 cm (excluding stand).

Two Maori carved pou pou panels, early-20th century, high…

Maori Pou Pou Panels with Inlaid Paua Shell Eyes

Two Maori carved pou pou panels, early-20th century, high relief carving with inlaid paua shell eyes, height 93 cm, width 27 cm, depth 6 cm, (each)

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 19th century Maori carved complete doorway (pare and support…

Maori Carved Doorway with Stylized Figure and Spirals

A 19th century Maori carved complete doorway (pare and support posts), the central stylised figure fully carved with haehae design and notched detail, tongue extended, the three digit hands clasped to the stomach, flanked by double spirals (pitau),…

A pre 19th century Maori carved wooden wahaika. Of relatively…

Maori Wahaika with Female Figure and Weku Mask

A pre 19th century Maori carved wooden wahaika. Of relatively thick form with full carved female figure to inside blade, weku type mask to butt. Hour glass form suspension hole. Length 43 cm

A pre-European Maori carved pounamu hei tiki, of good…

Maori Pounamu Hei Tiki Pendant

A pre-European Maori carved pounamu hei tiki, of good proportions with traditional features of head turned to left shoulder and hands clasped to thighs, single tapered hourglass drilled suspension hole, medium to dark green tone with semi-translucent pale…

A pair of late 19th century / early 20th century carved Maori…

Maori Carved Door Frames with Geometric Notch Decoration

A pair of late 19th century / early 20th century carved Maori whakawae (door frames). Each deep relief figure with painted eyes and geometric notch decoration to the face, the body of stylised human form. The back support to both whakawae painted in a…

A quality 19th century Maori carved whalebone kotiate (hand…

19th Century Maori Whalebone Kotiate Hand Club

A quality 19th century Maori carved whalebone kotiate (hand club), elegant lobed blade, oval grip with carved weku head with remains of red sealing wax to the eyes, square notched hole, darkish tone to one side, good patina and original polish. Length 33…

A good pre-European Maori carved pounamu hei tiki, of good deep…

Deep Profile Maori Pounamu Hei Tiki

A good pre-European Maori carved pounamu hei tiki, of good deep profile, traditional slightly tapered form, dark green tone. Note: the depth and elegant soft carved features of this hei tiki make it an outstanding example. Length 10.8 cm, width 4.8 cm,…

An early/mid 20th century Maori carved long lintel ex. Auckland…

Maori Carved Lintel with Stylised Figures and Paua Eyes

An early/mid 20th century Maori carved long lintel ex. Auckland Town Hall, carved with a central stylised figure flanked by three pairs of further figures and scrolls. Paua insert eyes. 270 x 30 cm. Provenance: Ex. Auckland Town Hall basement area.…

A pair of Maori carved architectural panels (Maihi), carved…

Maori Carved Architectural Panels with Manaia Figures

A pair of Maori carved architectural panels (Maihi), carved panels painted red. The apex ends feature three manaia figures with a band of takarangi (scroll designs) interspersed with manaia faces underneath. Plain uncarved section at midpoint. The…

A pre 19th century Maori carved wooden tekoteko figure. The…

Maori Tekoteko Figure with High Relief Carving

A pre 19th century Maori carved wooden tekoteko figure. The carving of high relief with dark stain. Prominent weku features with hands to chest. Unusual horizontal slats between legs. Old illegible collection no. And a lot no. To reverse. Height 50 cm,…

A pre-European Maori carved pounamu hei tiki, with head turned…

Maori Pounamu Hei Tiki Pendant

A pre-European Maori carved pounamu hei tiki, with head turned to the right shoulder, hands clasped to thighs and with single tapered hourglass drilled suspension hole, the original being through the top of the head having broken through and then modified…

Iotua Charlie Tuarau, Maori carved wooden panel, signed, dated…

Maori Carved Wooden Panel by Iotua Charlie Tuarau

Iotua Charlie Tuarau, Maori carved wooden panel, signed, dated and inscribed 'I. C. Tuarau, Maori carver, Dominion Museum, Wellington, NZ, 1963' verso, rectangular carving with rounded edges, painted red. From proper left to proper right: two manaia…

A pre 19th century carved Maori greenstone hei tiki, head…

19th Century Maori Greenstone Hei Tiki with Stand

A pre 19th century carved Maori greenstone hei tiki, head tilted to left shoulder, both arms to thighs. Hourglass form suspension hole. With stand, height 10 cm.

A 19th century Maori carved fowling gun, a single barrel…

Maori Carved Fowling Gun with Intricate Detailing

A 19th century Maori carved fowling gun, a single barrel fowling gun with ornate carving. This early percussion fowling gun has a finely carved buttstock decorated with traditional Maori spiral designs and notching. In presentation frame with Uv glass. 36…

A large and impressive pre-European Maori carved pounamu hei…

Impressive Maori Pounamu Hei Tiki with Provenance

A large and impressive pre-European Maori carved pounamu hei tiki, traditional mildly tapered form with chin to left shoulder, hands to thighs and single notch and tapered hourglass drilled and concealed suspension hole to top of head, good dark tone with…

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…

Rare late 19th century Maori carved TiAnea (armchair) all over…

Maori TiAnea Armchair with Carved Tiki Masks and Paua Inset

Rare late 19th century Maori carved TiAnea (armchair) all over carved with tiki masks, manaia and takarangi spirals with paua shell inset eyes. The seat frame with linear, geometric decoration. Leather covering requires attention. Provenance: Ex John Gow…

An important 19th century or earlier Maori carved wooden…

Maori Tekoteko with Koruru Mask and Whakapapa Loops

An important 19th century or earlier Maori carved wooden tekoteko. The top figure with carved moku to face, one hand to stomach and the other to mouth (finger missing). Below is a weku style koruru mask, linked to the top figure through a series of…