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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

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Hei Matau Porotaka - 5546IA

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: Mata (Obsidian)

Measurements: 105mm x 85mm x 7mm
$650.00

Māhē - 4455IA

Māhē are sinker stones used to weigh down fishing nets.

Material: Otaua

Measurements: 42mm x 42mm x 61mm
$650.00

Aurei Wheku - 5633KC

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: Koiwi (Beef Bone)

Measurements: 158mm x 22mm x 12mm
$690.00

Wheku - 6346HW

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: Pakohe (Argilite)

Measurements: 48mm x 37mm
$750.00

Wheku - 6347HW

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: Pakohe (Argilite)

Measurements: 59mm x 48mm
$750.00

Māhē - 4456IA

Māhē are sinker stones used to weigh down fishing nets.

Material: Otaua

Measurements: 53mm x 31mm x 72mm
$850.00

Aurei Koruru - 6329HW

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: Koiwi (Beef Bone)

Measurements: 157mm x 22mm x 8mm
$890.00

Hei Niho - 6344HW

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: Mata (Obsidian) Measurements: 95mm x 48mm
$890.00

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

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

Māhē - 4503HW

Māhē are sinker stones used to weigh down fishing nets.

Material: Otaua

Measurements: 70mm X 50mm x 50mm
$1,250.00

Māhē - 4457IA

Māhē are sinker stones used to weigh down fishing nets.

Material: Otaua

Measurements: 42mm x 42mm x 56mm
$1,250.00