Āhua Gallery

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: Mata (Obsidian)

Measurements: 105mm x 85mm x 7mm

Māhē are sinker stones used to weigh down fishing nets.

Material: Otaua

Measurements: 42mm x 42mm x 61mm

Kete Pikau (backpack) are used for carrying personal items.

Material: Harakeke & Shell

Measurements: 430mm 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 & Commercial dyes

Measurements: 360mm x 220mm

Aurei were customarily used as a pin for fastening cloaks and may be made from bone, stone, wood or shell. They may also have been worn through the ear as an earring or around the neck as a pendant. Aurei are still commonly worn as pendants and earrings and as with most Māori personal adornments, are often passed down generationally.

Material: Koiwi (Beef Bone)

Measurements: 158mm x 22mm x 12mm

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

Material: Harakeke & Muka

Measurements: 350mm x 170mm

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

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 & Gold Foil

Measurements: 420mm x 250mm x 60mm

In Māori carving there are three predominant designs for heads: the 'wheku' with its long eyes; the 'koruru' with its round 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. The long eyes of the wheku were often used to depict a squint or frown.

Material: Pakohe (Argilite)

Measurements: 48mm x 37mm

In Māori carving there are three predominant designs for heads: the 'wheku' with its long eyes; the 'koruru' with its round 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. The long eyes of the wheku were often used to depict a squint or frown.

Material: Pakohe (Argilite)

Measurements: 59mm x 48mm

Māhē are sinker stones used to weigh down fishing nets.

Material: Otaua

Measurements: 53mm x 31mm x 72mm

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