Āhua Gallery

This manu (bird) form is a variation of the kapeu which are slender adornments with a slight bend at the bottom and were often worn as ear pendants. This kapeu has been fashioned from pounamu (New Zealand Jade). Kapeu were highly prized and a sign of high rank in Māori society. They are commonly also worn as neck pendants.

Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa)

Measurements: 51mm x 13mm x 2mm

Kōauau are part of the flute family and come to us from the atua (spiritual entity) of flute music Hine Raukatauri. Kōauau is also the name for a species of hollow kelp, which can also be used to make instruments. Kōauau are made from a variety of different materials including wood, bone or sometimes stone. Most Kōauau have 3 wenewene (finger holes) although there are several older examples that have 4 or more. The kaiwhakangāwari is the wenewene closest to the mouth, the kaiwhakahī is the middle wenewene and the kaiwhakakaha is the wenewene closest to the distal end. There are many uses for kōauau. In Māori tradition, birds are sometimes seen as important messengers from the spirit world. Kōauau have a reputation of attracting the native birds of Aotearoa. The birds will often interact with the beautiful melody from the kōauau, giving us a glimpse of the spiritual aspects of the kōauau song.

Material: Mataī (NZ Native)

Measurements: 123mm x 26mm x 26mm

Kōauau are part of the flute family and come to us from the atua (spiritual entity) of flute music Hine Raukatauri. Kōauau is also the name for a species of hollow kelp, which can also be used to make instruments. Kōauau are made from a variety of different materials including wood, bone or sometimes stone. Most kōauau have three wenewene (finger holes) although there are several older examples that have four or more. The kaiwhakangāwari is the wenewene closest to the mouth, the kaiwhakahī is the middle wenewene and the kaiwhakakaha is the wenewene closest to the distal end. There are many uses for kōauau. In Māori tradition, birds are sometimes seen as important messengers from the spirit world. Kōauau have a reputation of attracting the native birds of Aotearoa. The birds will often interact with the beautiful melody from the kōauau, giving us a glimpse of the spiritual aspects of the kōauau song.

Material: Mataī (NZ Native)

Measurements: 123mm x 26mm x 26mm

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 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 & 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 & Feather Adornments

Measurements: 240mm x 200mm x 100mm

The kākahu takes inspiration from traditional Māori cloaks. A kākahu is mantle of prestige and honour. This kākahu is made from mirowhiti miro (mop yarn) also incorporating materials that represent different types of kākahu including but not limited to kahu huruhuru (feathers) and tāniko.

Material: Cotton, Mop Yarn, Wool, Feathers

Measurements: 1016mm x 762mm