Āhua Gallery

The pūkaea was the largest of the Māori trumpets, ranging in size from one metre (3.2ft) to over two meters (3.4ft) in length. They were made in two pieces and bound together with the roots of the kiekie (climber). Many pūkaea were carved and they often belonged to the chief of a tribe. They were typically used to call the tribe together.

Material: Tōtara

Measurements: 1110mm x 75mm x 50mm

The pūkaea was the largest of the Māori trumpets, ranging in size from one metre (3.2ft) to over two meters (3.4ft) in length. They were made in two pieces and bound together with the roots of the kiekie (climber). Many pūkaea were carved and they often belonged to the chief of a tribe. They were typically used to call the tribe together.

Material: Tōtara

Measurements: 370mm x 150mm x 150mm

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: 96mm x 32mm

Kapeu are slender adornments with a slight bend at the bottom and were often worn as ear pendants. Kapeu were highly prized and a sign of high rank in Māori society. They are commonly also worn as neck pendants. As with many Māori personal adornments kapeu are often passed down generationally.

Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa)

Measurements: 121mm x 10mm

Kurupapa are long slender pendants typically crafted from pounamu (NZ Jade) or bone. Customarily they were very popular personal adornments. Kurupapa are still commonly worn as pendants and earrings. As with most Māori personal adornments kurupapa are often passed down generationally.

Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa)

Measurements: 122mm x 9mm

This Pōtae is a contemporary hat woven with traditional Māori weaving methods.

Material: Harakeke

Circumference: 21 inches

This Pōtae is a contemporary hat woven with traditional Māori weaving methods.

Material: Harakeke

Circumference: 21.5 inches

Tāniko weaving produces a relatively stiff and unyielding fabric, it was traditionally used as a decorative border on fine cloaks of the kaitaka and paepaeroa types. Often several different strips of tāniko appeared on up to three sides of a cloak.

Material: Acrylic Cotton, Leather Lining, Macrame Silks

Measurements: 1150mm x 40mm

The word 'piupiu' means 'to swing’ and is also the name for a skirt with free-hanging strands. Piupiu can be worn either around the waist or across one shoulder. They were made in many types of material and styles.

Material: Harakeke & Muka

Measurements: 30 inches

The word 'piupiu' means 'to swing’ and is also the name for a skirt with free-hanging strands. Piupiu can be worn either around the waist or across one shoulder. They were made in many types of material and styles.

Material: Harakeke

Measurements: 36 inches

The word 'piupiu' means 'to swing’ and is also the name for a skirt with free-hanging strands. Piupiu can be worn either around the waist or across one shoulder. They were made in many types of material and styles.

Material: Harakeke & Muka

Measurements: 34 inches

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: 875mm x 775mm