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.

6 items found:

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

A hand-carved pare by master carver Mel Manu. Raised relief…

Wave Manaia Pare by Master Carver Mel Manu

A hand-carved pare by master carver Mel Manu. Raised relief carved from a single piece of wood. This long pare depicts 5 manaia figures connected together like rolling waves. The manaia have paua shell inset eyes. The wood has a dark brown patina. Pare…

A talking stick (tokotoko) chisel carved by master carver Mel…

Master Carver's Ornate Talking Stick

A talking stick (tokotoko) chisel carved by master carver Mel Manu (Ngapuhi). The traditional design of this tokotoko or talking stick is ornately carved entirely by hand, using chisel tools. Tokotoko is fashioned in the form of a walking stick and from…

A Mel Manu taiaha adorned with kiwi feathers. A weapon of…

Kiwi Feathered Taiaha by Master Carver Mel Manu

A Mel Manu taiaha adorned with kiwi feathers. A weapon of hardwood with one end carved to represent a head with a protruding tongue, and other representing the body of a warrior. The upoko (head) and the arero (tongue) are heavily carved in the…

A Mel Manu taiaha adorned with kiwi feathers. A weapon of…

Kiwi Feathered Taiaha by Master Carver Mel Manu

A Mel Manu taiaha adorned with kiwi feathers. A weapon of hardwood with one end carved to represent a head with a protruding tongue, and other representing the body of a warrior. The upoko (head) and the arero (tongue) are heavily carved in the…

A hand-chiselled pou by master carver Mel Manu. Carved from a…

Master-Carved Pou with High Relief Figure and Paua Eyes

A hand-chiselled pou by master carver Mel Manu. Carved from a single piece of wood and stained a light brown. A rectangular form with high relief carving depicting a figure holding a patu with a smaller figure between their legs. Paua shell inlaid eyes.…

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…