At Te Takapū, students learn the revered tradition of carving pounamu (Nephrite-Jade/Greenstone), bone and stone. This tohu (qualification) is for two years and is approximately 40 hours per week, 47 weeks of the year.
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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 15mm
Mere Poumanu (hand weapon) like the patu, were often sharp at their forward edge and were used with thrusting, jabbing, and swinging blows. Māori weapons are notable for their fine sculptural form and were designed for close hand-to-hand combat. No other stone-age war implements surpassed them in deadly effectiveness. The mere pounamu is the most valuable of the Māori shorthand weapons.
Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa).
Measurements: 435mm x 97mm x 20mm
Traditionally women who acquired moko kauae (female chin tattoos) received them based on their mana, established through their whakapapa. They were nominated by the hapū to ensure there was a woman of mana to represent them on the marae.
Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa)
Measurements: 50mm x 67mm x 7mm
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. This tooth pendant references the tiger shark. This shark is an aggressive predator and is found mostly in tropical and warm waters. Tiger sharks are named for the dark, vertical stripes found mainly on juveniles.
Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa)
Measurements: 70mm x 60mm
Pōria Kākā are leg rings crafted from bone or stone used to keep pet kākā (parrots) from flying away. The giant kaka parrot was used by the Māori to assist them during hunting. The bird was used as a decoy to capture other kaka parrots.
As with many Māori items the kaka ring was both used as a tool as well as an adornment.
Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa)
Measurements: 35mm x 25mm x 4mm
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: Pounamu (Kawakawa)
Measurements: 12mm x 25mm x 6mm