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
Hei Niho - 5397KC
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: Onewa (NZ Greywacke)
Measurements: 73mm x 21mm
$310.00
Hei Mangō - 4529IA
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: Onewa (Waiotemarama)
Measurements: 105mm x 75mm x 22mm
$690.00
Hei Matau - 5608TO
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: Pounamu (Kawakawa)
Measurements: 55mm x 55mm x 8mm
$550.00
Niho Mangō - 5451MA
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: Onewa (NZ Greywacke)
Measurements: 96mm x 82mm x 19mm
$590.00
Mako Earrings - 5621KC
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 21mm
$490.00
Mako Earrings - 5624KC
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 (Tokaatea Pounamu)
Measurements: 54mm x 22mm
$490.00
Tiger Shark Earrings - 5622KC
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: 34mm x 25mm
$390.00
Aurei - 5464MA
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: Pounamu (Kawakawa)
Measurements: 100mm x 11mm x 7mm
$420.00
Whakakaipiko - 3339HW
Whakakaipiko forms were given as a symbol of endearment. Whakakaipiko are long and slender personal adornments characterised by a ‘piko’ or kink in the body of the pendant. Customarily they were used as a pin for fastening cloaks and may be made from bone, stone, wood or shell. Whakakaipiko are commonly worn as pendants.
Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa)
Measurements: 150mm x 14mm x 9mm
$420.00
Hei Tiki - 5487MA
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 (Kawakawa)
Measurements: 85mm x 49mm x 8mm
$1,600.00