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Picture for category Te Takapū - National Stone & Bone Carving School

Te Takapū - National Stone & Bone Carving School

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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

3 Items in Grid 4 Items in Grid List

Rei Niho - 5554PD

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
$390.00

Marakihau - 0267UN

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
$2,900.00

Tapatoru Earrings - 5651RH

Material: Parāoa (Whalebone)

Measurements: 30mm x 30mm x 5mm
$390.00

Tapatoru Earrings - 5653RH

Material: Parāoa (Whalebone)

Measurements: 50mm x 15mm x 5mm
$420.00

Māhē - 4501HW

Māhē are sinker stones used to weigh down fishing nets.

Material: Otaua (Greywacke)

Measurements: 50mm x 37mm x 35mm
$490.00

Mau Taringa (Rau) - 4997SG

Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa)

Measurements: 78mm x 19mm
$490.00

Moko Kauae - 6811HW

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
$890.00

Patu Muka - 5385TO

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
$550.00

Patu Muka - 5460MA

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
$650.00

Rei Niho - 3789IA

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
$250.00

Rei Niho - 5266IA

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
$220.00

Hei Matau - 5586HF

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
$230.00