Āhua Gallery

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: Koiwi (Beef Bone)

Measurements: 85mm x 35mm x 16mm

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: 320mm x 170mm

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

Measurements: 220mm x 230mm

The huia bird held deep significance in Māori culture, symbolizing nobility, leadership, and high status. Its distinctive, white-tipped tail feathers were highly valued and worn by chiefs to represent their mana, or authority and prestige. These feathers were also exchanged as treasured gifts of friendship and kept in beautifully carved boxes called waka huia. Sadly, the huia became extinct in the early 20th century, largely due to habitat destruction, introduced predators, and overhunting, despite efforts to protect it.

Material: Parāoa (Whalebone)

Measurements: 140mm x 18mm x 8mm

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

Measurements: 260mm x 210mm

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: 260mm x 220mm

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: 260mm x 230mm

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 & Feather Adornments

Measurements: 240mm x 200mm x 100mm

Māhē are sinker stones used to weigh down fishing nets.

Material: Otaua (Greywacke)

Measurements: 50mm x 37mm x 35mm

Tukutuku is a type of ornamental weaving using reed lattice work rather than threads. It is used mainly to adorn the inside walls of wharenui (meeting houses).

Material: Hardboard, Strapping & Acrylic Paint

Measurements: 350mm x 670mm

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. These earrings are in reference to the Mako shark.

Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa)

Measurements: 45mm x 21mm

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. These earrings are in reference to the Mako shark.

Material: Pounamu (Tokaatea Pounamu)

Measurements: 54mm x 22mm