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 patu paraoa (whalebone club), of spatula shape with flattened…

Spatula-shaped Whalebone Club with Chiseled Hole

A patu paraoa (whalebone club), of spatula shape with flattened butt knob with small flanges, pierced by a square chiseled hole. Y registered L.36 cm. From the Collection of Hannah Martha Dillon, nee Carkeek (1881-1963).

A patu paraoa (whalebone club), of spatula shape with large…

Whalebone club with flattened butt knob

A patu paraoa (whalebone club), of spatula shape with large flattened butt knob pierced by a slightly irregularly drilled hole. Y registered L.37 cm. From the Collection of Hannah Martha Dillon, nee Carkeek (1881-1963).

Vintage Maori patu hand club. Finely carved with deep scroll…

Vintage Maori Patu Hand Club with Intricate Carvings

Vintage Maori patu hand club. Finely carved with deep scroll designs and the butt with ancestor figure and inlaid paua shell eyes, length 31 cm

A paddle club, carved hardwood, Pacific islands, early to mid…

Pacific Island Carved Hardwood Paddle Club (9 words)

A paddle club, carved hardwood, Pacific islands, early to mid 20th century, 93 cm long

Antique Maori whalebone club with carved handle and decorative…

Maori Whalebone Club with Carved Animal Stem, 35cm

Antique Maori whalebone club with carved handle and decorative carved animal to stem, length 35 cm.

A modern pounamu (nephrite) mere (hand club), of good large…

Large Green Pounamu Mere with Incised Bands

A modern pounamu (nephrite) mere (hand club), of good large size, traditional spatulate blade with reduced grip and three incised bands to the butt end, the mid to dark green tone with dark flecked inclusions. Length 32.5 cm, plaited leather thong…

Early 19th century whalebone kotiate of small proportion.…

Small 19th Century Whalebone Kotiate

Early 19th century whalebone kotiate of small proportion. Manaia form butt with square suspension hole. Blade of relatively thin form. Length 26 cm . Provenance: 'Ex Walters 1961'

18th century or earlier Maori whalebone kotiate large…

Maori Whalebone Kotiate with Wide Handle and Holes

18th century or earlier Maori whalebone kotiate large suspension hole and relatively wide handle. Butt of simple rounded form. Flat blade with well formed holes. Length 26.5 cm

20th century whalebone wahaika carved broad scroll with full…

Whalebone Wahaika with Full Tiki Carvings

20th century whalebone wahaika carved broad scroll with full tiki to shoulder & tiki mask butt, length 47 cm

A pre-European Maori patu onewa (stone hand club), the…

Maori Stone Hand Club with Polished Blade

A pre-European Maori patu onewa (stone hand club), the traditional tapered form with evidence of later polish to blade, three concentric concave rings to tapered butt end, reduced grip, the hour-glass suspension hole incomplete with drilling to one side…

An early 20th century New Zealand greenstone wahaika pendant,…

New Zealand Greenstone Double Blade Pendant

An early 20th century New Zealand greenstone wahaika pendant, traditional double bladed form. Length 5.5 cm

A Maori club (Tewhatewha), New Zealand, 19th century, carved…

Maori Tewhatewha Club, 19th Century

A Maori club (Tewhatewha), New Zealand, 19th century, carved wood, 175 cm long

Fine wahaika hand weapon, rounded blade finely carved with…

Paua-eyed Wahaika Hand Weapon with Mere Pounamu

Fine wahaika hand weapon, rounded blade finely carved with haehae and pataki surface decoration overall, two raised carved figures to either side of club, both with inlaid paua shell eyes, one holding mere pounamu also with carved manaia form sitting to…

Patu Paraora whalebone club, good example in traditional form…

Traditional Whalebone Club with Pierced Hole

Patu Paraora whalebone club, good example in traditional form with pierced hole to end for attachment.L.40.5 cm

Superb kotiate early 19th century whalebone short striking…

19th Century Whalebone Kotiate with Manaia Figure

Superb kotiate early 19th century whalebone short striking weapon of traditional form with manaia figure to butt, red inset to one eye and paua shell inset to other, length 33 cm

A naïve folk art carved Maori wahaika, in the manner of Capt.…

Maori Wahaika with Tiki Heads and Koruru Butt

A naïve folk art carved Maori wahaika, in the manner of Capt. Gilbert Small, the blade with tiki heads and figure, the butt as a koruru head with paua eyes. Length 44 cm

Early New Zealand Maori taiaha club, carved head with paua…

Paua-eyed Taiaha: Early Maori Club

Early New Zealand Maori taiaha club, carved head with paua shell eyes. Length 126 cm

A Maori club, 20th century, New Zealand, taiaha. Provenance:…

Maori Taiaha Club

A Maori club, 20th century, New Zealand, taiaha. Provenance: Private Collection Melbourne, length 157 cm

A Maori club, 19th century, New Zealand, tewhatewha / tewatewa.…

Maori Tewhatewha Club, 19th Century, Private Collection Melbourne

A Maori club, 19th century, New Zealand, tewhatewha / tewatewa. Provenance: Private Collection Melbourne, length 149 cm

An early Maori hand club, with finely executed design to both…

Maori Hand Club with Intricate Design

An early Maori hand club, with finely executed design to both sides, face on handle terminus, minor chips have been repaired, 19th or early 20th century, New Zealand, length 41.5 cm

A Maori Childs Club (tiaha), New Zealand (early-mid 20th…

Maori Childs Club with Shell Inlay

A Maori Childs Club (tiaha), New Zealand (early-mid 20th century), carved hardwood and shell inlay, 128 cm long

A Maori pre-European stone hand club (patu onewa), traditional…

Maori Stone Hand Club with Spatulate Blade

A Maori pre-European stone hand club (patu onewa), traditional spatulate blade with some chipping, narrowing to a reduced grip with three defined grooves to the butt end, hour-glass suspension hole, polished all over. Length 30.7 cm

Wahaika large flattened blade tapering to a sharp striking edge,…

Carved Figure Wahaika with Sharp Edge - 37cm Length

Wahaika large flattened blade tapering to a sharp striking edge, inside edge decoration with a carved standing figure with arms to torso, dark brown rich patina, length 37 cm

Early wahaika of classic form, exteremely weathered, faint…

Weathered Classic Wahaika with Pierced Hole, 32.5 cm

Early wahaika of classic form, exteremely weathered, faint decoration to base and inside cutting edge pierced hole for attachment to top of handle, length 32.5 cm

Rare wahaika 19th century, male carved figure to back with long…

Rare Wahaika Male Figure with Long Tongue and Ridges

Rare wahaika 19th century, male carved figure to back with long protruding tongue, four ridges to butt, square hole, length 35 cm. Provenance: Neil Darroch collection, formerly E.B. Williams collection, Hastings (early 20th century). Ref 90

An early/mid-20th century Maori finely carved wood Wahaika,…

Mid-20th Century Maori Carved Wood Wahaika

An early/mid-20th century Maori finely carved wood Wahaika, fine lineal and notch detail including concentric swirl and lineal wide bands, good dark colour. Length 36.5 cm

Vintage finely carved New Zealand Maori fighting club (mere),…

Maori Fighting Club with Intricate Carvings

Vintage finely carved New Zealand Maori fighting club (mere), approx 40 cm long

A good old (early 20th century) Maori greenstone mere (hand…

Early 20th Century Maori Greenstone Mere

A good old (early 20th century) Maori greenstone mere (hand club), good dark green tone with paler inclusions, traditional wide spatulate blade, reduced grip with rounded butt end, no drill hole, good overall polish. With numerous old newspaper cuttings…

A 19th century Maori carved whalebone Kotiate, traditional…

Maori Whalebone Double-Bladed Kotiate

A 19th century Maori carved whalebone Kotiate, traditional double bladed form with parallel sided handle terminating in a carved stylised mask end, drilled suspension hole, good old dark patina. Length 27.5 cm width 12.5 cm

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…

20th century whale bone club, kotiate 30.5 cm length,…

20th Century Whale Bone Kotiate Club

20th century whale bone club, kotiate 30.5 cm length, registration pending

A New Zealand greenstone club, the tapering flat club of…

Traditional Greenstone Club with Leather Cord

A New Zealand greenstone club, the tapering flat club of traditional design in deep green with black and white striations, and having a plaited leather cord attached to the handle. Length 30.5 cm

A modern Maori large carved whalebone wahaika (hand club),…

Maori Whalebone Wahaika with Octopus Relief Carving

A modern Maori large carved whalebone wahaika (hand club), traditional curved bladed end with full figure to the mid-section, backing to a relief carved octopus, a further traditional stylised figure to the handle and butt end, paua shell inlaid disc eyes…

A Maori Patu wooden hand club, 20th century. 42 cm long

Maori Patu Hand Club - 20th Century

A Maori Patu wooden hand club, 20th century. 42 cm long

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…

Wahaika. In classic form made from whalebone, carving to…

Whalebone Wahaika with Pierced Handle

Wahaika. In classic form made from whalebone, carving to incurve and striking edge, a pierced hole to handle end. Rich dark patina. Length 36 cm. Width 9 cm

Superb Wahaika. All over deep relief linear haehae carving to…

Deep Relief Wahaika with Female Figure Handle

Superb Wahaika. All over deep relief linear haehae carving to blade. Female figure to incurve with hands wrapped around torso with carved moko to chins and cheek and eyes handle end with two finely carved manaia protruding tongues. Pierced hole for…

Mid 20th century whalebone wahaika (short club) traditional…

Carved Whalebone Wahaika with Full Figure Blade Curve

Mid 20th century whalebone wahaika (short club) traditional form with carved full figure to the blade curve 29.5 cm

A 19th century Maori patu onewa, basalt club with a ridged grip…

19th Century Maori Basalt Club with Suspension Hole

A 19th century Maori patu onewa, basalt club with a ridged grip and circular hole for suspension, repaired, 43 cm long

A contemporary whalebone wahaika, carved by Louis Denolfo, the…

Contemporary Whalebone Wahaika with Stylised Mask and Figure

A contemporary whalebone wahaika, carved by Louis Denolfo, the long hooked form spatulate blade with reduced grip, pierced suspension hole, stylised mask to butt end with protruding tongue and inlaid red wax eyes, stylised male full figure to back edge.…

A 20th century Maori whalebone wahaika, carved in traditional…

Maori Whalebone Wahaika with Profile Figure and Paua Eyes

A 20th century Maori whalebone wahaika, carved in traditional manner with a profile figure to the blade edge, a stylised head to the butt end, drilled suspension hole, paua inset eyes. Length 35 cm

A 20th century Maori carved hardwood wahaika, the long hooked…

Maori Carved Hardwood Wahaika with Mask and Paua Eyes

A 20th century Maori carved hardwood wahaika, the long hooked form spatulate blade with reduced grip, pierced suspension hole, stylised mask to butt end with protruding tongue and inlaid paua eyes. Good dark colourway. Length 51.5 cm.

A Maori carved and stained wooden patu (hand club), traditional…

Maori Stained Wooden Patu with Carvings

A Maori carved and stained wooden patu (hand club), traditional spatulate blade, the reduced tapering grip with pierced suspension hole and triple ring tapered butt end, mid-dark colourway. Length 40 cm.

Pair of pou pou posts, red ochre painted and carved with side…

Ancestral Pou Pou Posts from Queen Victoria School

Pair of pou pou posts, red ochre painted and carved with side profile ancestral figures holding kotiate. Height 135 cm. Width 28 cm. Provenance: Historically part of the fixtures at Queen Victoria school, Parnell.

A Maori club (taiaha), New Zealand (nineteenth century), carved…

Maori Taiaha Club with Paua Shell Decoration

A Maori club (taiaha), New Zealand (nineteenth century), carved hardwood and paua shell, 147.2 cm long. Provenance: Private Collection, United Kingdom. Private Collection, Melbourne

Whalebone kotiate. Flattened traditional form, with pierced…

Pierced Whalebone Kotiate with Soft Patina

Whalebone kotiate. Flattened traditional form, with pierced holes to body and handle. Soft well used patina. Height 27.2 cm. Width 12.4 cm.

Whalebone kotiate. Carved whalebone in a traditional form with…

Whalebone Manaia Kotiate

Whalebone kotiate. Carved whalebone in a traditional form with a symmetrical blade, manaia head with open mouth and protruding tongue to handle end. Length 29.2 cm. Width 14 cm

Whalebone kotiate. Classic form with carved decoration to…

Whalebone Kotiate with Carved Handle and Pierced Hole

Whalebone kotiate. Classic form with carved decoration to handle and a pierced hole for attachment. Length 26.5 cm. Width 11.5 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

Patu: Maori green stone hand club. Childs size, 20 cm

Maori Child's Green Stone Hand Club - 20cm

Patu: Maori green stone hand club. Childs size, 20 cm

A superb early 19th century bone club (kotiate). bi-lobed shape…

Early 19th Century Bone Club with Carved Head

A superb early 19th century bone club (kotiate). bi-lobed shape with carved head to handle, hourglass hole. Length 31 cm

A Maori wooden hand club (kotiate). Carved on both sides.…

Maori Wooden Hand Club (Kotiate) - Carved on Both Sides

A Maori wooden hand club (kotiate). Carved on both sides. Carved face to butt with square hole on handle. Length 35.1 cm

Patu paraoa, early whale bone hand club with a broad flared…

Early Whale Bone Hand Club with Inscription

Patu paraoa, early whale bone hand club with a broad flared blade tapering to the handle section, faint inscription to the blade section. Provenance: This patu came into the possession of the current owner's family from Fiji in the 19th century.

A good 19th century wahaika, the blade carved with deep linear…

19th Century Carved Wahaika with Wheku Heads

A good 19th century wahaika, the blade carved with deep linear and haehae carving. The incurve carved with a Wheku head carved in relief with protruding tongue, the handle pierced for wrist suspension and terminating in a further wheku head. Length 35 cm…

A good whale bone wahaika, the incurve carved with a manaia…

Manaia Wahaika with Wheku Head

A good whale bone wahaika, the incurve carved with a manaia figure in high relief with hands placed to abdomen, the handle pierced for wrist suspension terminating in a carved wheku head. Length 32 cm

Wahaika deep strong carving style in the form of a manaia face.…

Wahaika Manaia Carving with Triple Haehae Decoration

Wahaika deep strong carving style in the form of a manaia face. Two inset eyes and a mouth with tongue protruding. All over decoration of triple haehae and pataki notching small head to base of handle also with inlaid eyes. Pierced hole with attached…

Superb whalebone kotiate, finely carved in a formal manner, the…

Masterfully Carved Whalebone Kotiate Weapon

Superb whalebone kotiate, finely carved in a formal manner, the beautifully symmetrical blade reflects the work of a master carver the surface holds a soft used patina suggesting good age and use a powerfully resolved manaia form guards the kotiate and…

Superb wahaika, blade carved all over with deep relief linear…

Haehae Carved Wahaika with Manaia End

Superb wahaika, blade carved all over with deep relief linear haehae carving. Male figure to incurve with hands wrapped around torso finely carved manaia end with protruding tongue. Pierced hole for attachment. Length 39 cm. Width 11 cm

A 20th century carved stone Chatham Islands Maori hand club of…

Chatham Islands Maori Sickle Hand Club

A 20th century carved stone Chatham Islands Maori hand club of distinctive sickle form, the wide curved blade tapering to a ridge on either side, the handle with butt of stylised bird head form, the banded stone with dark inclusions through to mid/pale…

19th century Maori carved whalebone kotiate, the traditional…

Maori Whalebone Kotiate with Wheku Head and Paua Eyes

19th century Maori carved whalebone kotiate, the traditional blade of double lobed form with carved notches to either side, the straight sided grip terminating in a traditional wheku head inset with paua shell eyes, the suspension hole tapering from each…

A late 18th century stone hand club (patu Onewa), of greywacke.…

18th Century Greywacke Hand Club

A late 18th century stone hand club (patu Onewa), of greywacke. Smooth patina with a ridges butt and hourglass hole. Also marked 4580. Length 30 cm

A late 19th century Maori wooden hand club (wahaika), with…

Maori Tiki Hand Club

A late 19th century Maori wooden hand club (wahaika), with carved tiki figure above handgrip and carved butt. Length 40 cm

An early 18th century Maori wooden club (wahaika), of good…

Maori Wahaika Club with Paua Shell Eyes

An early 18th century Maori wooden club (wahaika), of good quality and heavy weight. Figure on the side has paua shell eyes. Slight very old chip in the blade. Overall worn condition in keeping with its age. Length 36 cm

A very rare late 18th century stone carved hand club (patuki),…

18th Century Carved Stone Hand Club with Paua Inlays

A very rare late 18th century stone carved hand club (patuki), with triangular cross section. Highly carved all over in swirl pattern with eight paua shell inlays. Length 44 cm. Width 6.5 cm

A Maori whalebone hand club (patu Pararoa). Large flared…

Maori Whalebone Hand Club - Patu Pararoa

A Maori whalebone hand club (patu Pararoa). Large flared profile with staining and blotchy appearance, possibly from swamp immersion. Blade narrowing to grip with flared butt. Straight sided suspension holes. Four minor chips to circumference of blade.…

A fine contact period Maori whalebone club (patu paraoa), with…

Maori Whalebone Club with Five Rings

A fine contact period Maori whalebone club (patu paraoa), with five rings to the butt and good wear to the suspension hole. Length 41 cm. Width 9.5 cm

A superb early 19th century whalebone hand club (kotiate), with…

Early 19th Century Whalebone Hand Club with Engraved Head

A superb early 19th century whalebone hand club (kotiate), with engraved human head to butt. Red wax in one of the eyes. Excellent patina. Length 31.5 cm. Width 16 cm

A good 19th century Maori carved whalebone kotiate, the…

Maori Whalebone Kotiate with Traditional Carving and Patina

A good 19th century Maori carved whalebone kotiate, the traditional blade of double lobed form with carved notches to either side, the straight sided grip terminating in a traditional head with open mouth and exposed tongue, the suspension hole tapering…

Fine Waihaka, a finely carved wooden club with all-over,…

H'h' Carved Manaia Club with Paua Eyes

Fine Waihaka, a finely carved wooden club with all-over, deep-relief linear h'h' carving to blade with dog-tooth notching. Strong manaia head to incurve with two inset paua eyes and pierced hole on handle for attachment. Light-brown patina. Length 41 cm.…

Superb wahaika, of classic form with a rounded blade; a…

Masterfully Carved Wahaika with Manaia Design

Superb wahaika, of classic form with a rounded blade; a masterfully carved manaia form sitting to the incurve, and another fine head carved to the butt of the weapon. Hole to base of handle for attachment. Soft, early patina. Length 34 cm. Width 11.1 cm

Whalebone patu early club carved from whalebone in traditional…

Whalebone Patu Club with Traditional Carving

Whalebone patu early club carved from whalebone in traditional form with soft, early patina. Pierced hole for attachment. Length 35 cm. Width 8.7 cm

Patu Onewa fine stone club in traditional form. Smooth finish…

Fine Stone Club with Hourglass Suspension Hole

Patu Onewa fine stone club in traditional form. Smooth finish and hourglass-shaped suspension hole. Base of handle carved with five ridged linear lines in ovoid form. Length 29.7 cm. Width 8.4 cm

Early mere pounamu - greenstone hand club, a highly valued and…

Rare 17th/18th-Century Greenstone Hand Club

Early mere pounamu - greenstone hand club, a highly valued and important cultural symbol of mana (authority and prestige) as well as an effective weapon during the pre-musket era. Mere of this form are very rare and hard to come by. Stone-tooled with no…

A 19th century Maori patu Paraoa (whalebone hand club) with…

Maori Whalebone Hand Club with Traditional Design

A 19th century Maori patu Paraoa (whalebone hand club) with traditional wide tapered spatulate blade, reduced grip, circular drilled lashing hole and four concentric incised grooves to the butt with fine detailed ridges, good old colour and patina. Length…

Antique New Zealand greenstone pendant of club form

NZ Greenstone Club Pendant

Antique New Zealand greenstone pendant of club form