At Te Takapū, students learn the revered tradition of carving pounamu (Nephrite-Jade/Greenstone), bone and stone.
The school opened on 5 October 2009, expanding on NZMACI’s commitment to maintaining, developing and promoting the arts, crafts and culture of iwi Māori (Māori tribes) as mandated by the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute Act (1963) (History).
The school was first led by Lewis Gardiner who is a well-regarded pounamu artist of his generation.
Stacy Gordine, a renowned artist from the East Coast of New Zealand – and uri of Hone Te Kauru and Pine Taiapa – now leads the programme and is shaping the direction of the wānanga into the future.
Would you like something custom made especially for you? Commission a piece here
The mark of a high Chief was one who wore the hei niho (whale tooth pendant), as the teeth of the sperm whale were highly prized because of their rarity. Usually these pendants had simply etched out eyes to form a head at one end. With actual whale teeth being such a rarity, it became common to fashion the tooth form from other materials.
Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa)
Measurements: 61mm x 24mm
Marakihau were believed to harass and prey on shore-living people or sea-travellers. Some were said to be the spirits of departed men, an example being the famed chief Te Tahi, ancestor of the Awa people of Whakatane where a marakihau carving decorates a meeting house.
Material: Koiwi (Beef Bone)
Measurements: 130mm x 50mm
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: 75mm x 60mm x 8mm
Flax was an important item in the Māori economy, and the skills associated with its preparation were highly prized. Before flax could be woven, the outer green layer was removed, and the inner fibres were soaked and pounded until soft. This Patu Muka (flax pounder) was a tool used in the process.
Material: Ōnewa (Greywacke)
Measurements: 213mm x 54mm x 44mm
Flax was an important item in the Māori economy, and the skills associated with its preparation were highly prized. Before flax could be woven, the outer green layer was removed, and the inner fibres were soaked and pounded until soft. This Patu Muka (flax pounder) was a tool used in the process.
Material: Ōnewa (Greywacke)
Measurements: 180mm x 80mm x 75mm
The mark of a high Chief was one who wore the hei niho (whale tooth pendant), as the teeth of the sperm whale were highly prized because of their rarity. Usually these pendants had simply etched out eyes to form a head at one end. With actual whale teeth being such a rarity, it became common to fashion the tooth form from other materials.
Material: Koiwi (Beef Bone)
Measurements: 67mm x 40mm
The mark of a high Chief was one who wore the hei niho (whale tooth pendant), as the teeth of the sperm whale were highly prized because of their rarity. Usually these pendants had simply etched out eyes to form a head at one end. With actual whale teeth being such a rarity, it became common to fashion the tooth form from other materials.
Material: Koiwi (Beef Bone)
Measurements: 60mm x 33mm x 4mm
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: Koiwi (Beef Bone)
Measurements: 35mm x 32mm