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
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
Patu Onewa - 6721PD
Patu (meaning to strike or hit) were typically fashioned from native hardwood, whalebone or stone, including our highly valued pounamu (greenstone). 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.
Material: Onewa (NZ Greywacke)
Measurements: 380mm x 100mm
$2,190.00
Huia Beak - 5696RH
The huia bird held deep significance in Māori culture, symbolizing nobility, leadership, and high status. Its distinctive, white-tipped tail feathers were highly valued and worn by chiefs to represent their mana, or authority and prestige. These feathers were also exchanged as treasured gifts of friendship and kept in beautifully carved boxes called waka huia. Sadly, the huia became extinct in the early 20th century, largely due to habitat destruction, introduced predators, and overhunting, despite efforts to protect it.
Material: Parāoa (Whalebone)
Measurements: 140mm x 18mm x 8mm
$590.00
Māhē - 4501HW
Māhē are sinker stones used to weigh down fishing nets.
Material: Otaua (Greywacke)
Measurements: 50mm x 37mm x 35mm
$490.00