Pounamu - Jade
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.
Like something special? Commission your own special piece here
Koruru - 6348HW
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 (Kiri)
Measurements: 93mm x 55mm
$990.00
Hei Tiki - 0750SG
Hei tiki are the best known of all Māori adornments. Tiki are symbols of fertility that depict a new-born child. They are often family heirlooms bearing personal names and embodying their wearers lineage. As with most Māori personal adornments, hei tiki are often passed down generationally.
Material: Pounamu (Tokatea) & Pearl Shell Inlays
Measurements: 84mm x 45mm x 10mm
$3,500.00
Hei Tiki - 5877SG
Hei tiki are the best known of all Māori adornments. Tiki are symbols of fertility that depict a new-born child. They are often family heirlooms bearing personal names and embodying their wearers lineage. As with most Māori personal adornments, hei tiki are often passed down generationally.
Material: Pounamu (Tokatea)
Measurements: 80mm x 48mm x 8mm
$3,500.00
Moko Kauae - 6185KH
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
$1,200.00
Wheku - 5515IA
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: Kawakawa (NZ Jade)
Measurements: 113mm x 65mm x 22mm
$3,250.00
Kapeu - 6850HW
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: 87mm x 22mm x 7mm
$430.00
Tiger Shark Earrings - 4543IA
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
$390.00
Tiger Shark Earrings - 4544IA
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
$390.00
Toki - 6840HW
The toki pendent is based on the form of the carving chisel used in whakairo (Māori carving).
Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa)
Measurements: 45mm x 30mm
$490.00
Toki Earrings - 6223RH
Toki earrings (or drop earrings) are designed to suspend from the bottom of the earlobes. The length varies from a centimetre or two, all the way to brushing the wearer's shoulders.
Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa)
Measurements: 68mm x 15mm x 2mm
$390.00
Toki Earrings - 6224RH
Toki earrings (or drop earrings) are designed to suspend from the bottom of the earlobes. The length varies from a centimetre or two, all the way to brushing the wearer's shoulders.
Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa)
Measurements: 73mm x 11mm x 2mm
$380.00