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 - 6804HW
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: Pounamu (Kawakawa)
Measurements: 58mm x 33mm x 7mm
$490.00
Hei Matau - 5400KC
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: 54mm x 67mm
$490.00
Hei Matau - 5592HF
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: 73mm x 69mm
$520.00
Rei Puta - 5601KC
The mark of a high Chief was one who wore the Rei Puta (whale tooth pendant), as the teeth of the Sperm Whale were highly prized because of their rarity. With actual whale teeth being such a rarity, it became common to fashion the tooth form from other materials.
Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa)
Measurements: 69mm x 54mm
$590.00