Āhua Gallery

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: 380mm x 180mm x 40mm

In Māori carving there are three predominant designs for heads: the ‘wheku’ with the long eyes; and the ‘ruru’, which also has round eyes but with a point at the top. The different designs were used by carvers to illustrate the character of the subject they were carving.

Koruru are frequently found fitted to the gable of a whare whakairo (carved meetinghouse) as a representation of the tribe’s eponymous ancestor.

Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa)

Measurements: 65mm x 55mm

Māripi are a traditional meat cutting tool. They are fashioned with a wooden handle and sharks’ teeth carved from Kōiwi (beef bone) to create a serrated edge.

Material: Rātā, Kōiwi (Beef Bone) & Pāua (Abalone)

Measurements: 340mm x 100mm x 30mm

Māripi are a traditional meat cutting tool. They are fashioned with a wooden handle and sharks’ teeth carved from Kōiwi (beef bone) to create a serrated edge.

Material: Rātā, Kōiwi (Beef Bone) & Pāua (Abalone)

Measurements: 370mm x 60mm x 30mm

In former times, marae had no wharekai (dining halls) to what we are familiar with today. During those times, specific ‘food mats’ were laid out in the middle of the wharenui (meeting house) and the food for the manuhiri (guest) was placed on them. This takapapa has been weaved to be used as a table runner.

Material: Harakeke

Measurements: 1110mm x 230mm

Hei piu (neck piece) is a contemporary fashion statement utilising Māori tradition.

Material: Harakeke & Muka

Measurements: 350mm x 170mm

The maro is a frontal apron tied around the waist and is a traditional garment that is worn by both men and woman. This maro has been fashioned with strands of muka fibre within the flax.

Material: Harakeke & Muka

Measurements: 680mm x 480mm

The maro is a frontal apron tied around the waist and is a traditional garment that is worn by both men and woman. This maro has been fashioned with strands of muka fibre within the flax.

Maro

Material: Harakeke & Muka

Measurements: 470mm x 340mm

Neck Piece

Material: Harakeke & Muka

Measurements: 305mm x 80mm

Hei Piu (neck piece) are contemporary fashion statements utilising Māori tradition

Material: Muka

Measurements: 180mm x 590mm

The paddle or hoe was the means of propulsion for the Māori waka (canoe). While the hoe was primarily a paddle, it also doubled as a weapon when the need arose. Carved paddles were the property of the chief and were highly valued. The hoe came in different styles and the handles and blades differed from area to area.