Āhua Gallery
Select Subcategory
Uncompromising in quality and uniquely Māori
Āhua brings you a wide-ranging collection of taonga Māori from our Master carvers and weavers, alongside Māori artists and practitioners throughout Aotearoa.
New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts dedicated Exhibition Gallery for all the taonga created within the Wananga. Beautiful works of arts from our National Schools and Graduated Artists are displayed for your veiwing pleasure. Visit Te Puia and participate in a Guided Experience - Te Ra and you will get to visit the schools where all the action happens before visiting our very special Ahua Gallery.
Whats even better, you can request a tailor made taonga! Visit our Commission a Project at NZMACI. From sentimental whānau pieces to significant commissioned projects, NZMACI can design, create and deliver your taonga.
If you would like to know some more about our Tumu (Head of Schools) and Pouako (Tutors) please visit our Artists page.
Rei Niho - 3789IA
The mark of a high Chief was one who wore the hei niho (whale tooth pendant), as the teeth of the sperm whale were highly prized because of their rarity. Usually these pendants had simply etched out eyes to form a head at one end. With actual whale teeth being such a rarity, it became common to fashion the tooth form from other materials.
Material: Koiwi (Beef Bone)
Measurements: 67mm x 40mm
$250.00
Rei Niho - 5265IA
The mark of a high Chief was one who wore the hei niho (whale tooth pendant), as the teeth of the sperm whale were highly prized because of their rarity. Usually these pendants had simply etched out eyes to form a head at one end. With actual whale teeth being such a rarity, it became common to fashion the tooth form from other materials.
Material: Koiwi (Beef Bone)
Measurements: 78mm x 26mm x 4mm
$220.00
Rei Niho - 5266IA
The mark of a high Chief was one who wore the hei niho (whale tooth pendant), as the teeth of the sperm whale were highly prized because of their rarity. Usually these pendants had simply etched out eyes to form a head at one end. With actual whale teeth being such a rarity, it became common to fashion the tooth form from other materials.
Material: Koiwi (Beef Bone)
Measurements: 60mm x 33mm x 4mm
$220.00
Wahaika - Black w Bronze (ed. 1/6) - 2487FD
The literal meaning of wahaika is: ‘waha’ (mouth); and, ‘ika’ (fish). It was specifically named because of the gap on the side of the weapon. Wahaika were used in close hand-to-hand combat to defect blows, and to strike the chest, head and wrist. Many wahaika have a small figure carved on their side called a pūkaiora which represented a tribal war God that would guard over the warrior during battle. The whiti or small head at the end of the handle was also a form of guardian. Wahaika are usually made from native hardwoods or whalebone.
$7,500.00
Bronze Tekoteko - 2478FD
The tekoteko is a stylised representation of the main progenitor of a tribe and is the most focal point of the whare whakairo (carved tribal meeting house). They can be found – on traditional meeting houses – either at the highest point at the front apex of the roof or at the front central post. They can also be found at the base of the poutokomanawa (the main central ridge support post) of the house.
$18,000.00
Hei Matau - 3544MA
Coastal and river-based Māori tribes traditionally used a variety of fishhooks and lures. Hooks and lures varied in shape, material and design. Today hei matau (fishhooks) have become symbolic of traditional Māori technology and continue to symbolize a relationship to Tangaroa, God of the sea.
Material: Koiwi (Beef Bone)
Measurements: 38mm x 26mm
$290.00
Hei Matau - 4380IA
Coastal and river-based Māori tribes traditionally used a variety of fishhooks and lures. Hooks and lures varied in shape, material and design. Today hei matau (fishhooks) have become symbolic of traditional Māori technology and continue to symbolize a relationship to Tangaroa, God of the sea.
Material: Koiwi (Beef Bone)
Measurements: 24mm x 20mm
$250.00
Re Niho - 3530KH
The mark of a high Chief was one who wore the hei niho (whale tooth pendant), as the teeth of the sperm whale were highly prized because of their rarity. Usually these pendants had simply etched out eyes to form a head at one end. With actual whale teeth being such a rarity, it became common to fashion the tooth form from other materials.
Material: Onewa (NZ Greywacke)
Measurements: 85mm x 30mm x 10mm
$395.00
Tokotoko - 2146TH
Tokotoko are used when speaking on the marae – by esteemed orators – to indicate the direction of a speaker’s kōrero (speech). They often have the whakapapa (genealogy) of the orator carved into them and these can also be referenced by the orator during his address.
Material: Rātā
Measurements: 970mm x 45mm x 35mm
$3,700.00
Hei Niho - 3895MA
Shark teeth were highly sought after to wear as a symbol of prestige for personal adornment. They were reflective of the mana of the shark itself.
Material: Onewa (NZ Greywacke)
Measurements: 140mm x 38mm x 27mm
$390.00
Kete Whakairo - 2440AM
Kete whakairo are woven flax bags of a finer quality than the general utilitarian kete. They are normally made from prepared strips of flax and/or kiekie, some of which have been dyed. Kete whakairo may also feature geometric designs.
Material: Harakeke & Muka
Measurements: 250mm x 180mm
$445.00
Rei Puta - 3529KH
The mark of a high Chief was one who wore the Rei Puta (whale tooth pendant), as the teeth of the Sperm Whale were highly prized because of their rarity. With actual whale teeth being such a rarity, it became common to fashion the tooth form from other materials.
Material: Onewa (NZ Greywacke)
Measurements: 115mm x 39mm x 24mm
$990.00