Whakairo Rākau - National Wood Carving School
Since the first intake at Te Wānanga Whakairo, many young Māori from iwi (tribes) throughout New Zealand have been taught the Māori practice of wood carving under the expert guidance of master carvers who were once trainees at the school. This tohu (qualification) is for three years and is 40 hours per week, 47 weeks of the year.
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Heru - 4960CF
Heru were produced in varying shapes and sizes and were made from rākau (wood) and in some instance’s parāoa (whalebone). These combs were highly valued as personal heirlooms and were consequently passed down from one generation to the next, often acquiring their own personal names.
The combs were mostly decorative and held the pūtikitiki (top knot) in place. When a comb was broken, it was placed in a swamp or a sacred place for safe keeping because the head was the most sacred part of the body and therefore tapu (sacred).
Material: Rātā
Measurements: 174mm x 66mm x 4mm
$1,900.00
Teka - 4957F
The teka or rākau tapu is a sacred stick which is placed down during the traditional wero (challenge) ceremony.
Material: Mātāi
Measurements: 272mm x 30mm x 34mm
$1,200.00
Papahou - 2648DH
Papahou are predominantly made to house small, treasured belongings and were historically owned by people of high standing within their tribe. Papahou were highly prized and carefully treasured as they were passed between generations as heirlooms.
Material: Tōtara
Measurements: 405mm x 130mm x 100mm
$3,500.00
Patu - 4427HY
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: Maire (NZ Hardwood)
Measurements: 385mm x 135mm x 30mm
$1,900.00
Patu - 4428AH
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: Mangeao
Measurements: 380mm x 100mm x 25mm
$1,900.00
Wahaika - 4426HY
Wahaika (mouth of the fish) were typically fashioned from native hardwood, whalebone, or stone, including our highly valued pounamu (greenstone). Wahaika were often sharp at their forward edge and were used with thrusting, jabbing, and swinging blows. They also often had a figure carved on the side of the blade.
Material: Maire (NZ Hardwood)
Measurements: 385mm x 135mm x 33mm
$2,200.00
Pūkaea - 2021TH
The pūkaea was the largest of the Māori trumpets, ranging in size from one metre (3.2ft) to over two meters (3.4ft) in length. They were made in two pieces and bound together with the roots of the kiekie (climber). Many pūkaea were carved and they often belonged to the chief of a tribe. They were typically used to call the tribe together.
Material: Tōtara
Measurements: 1110mm x 75mm x 50mm
$5,900.00
Pūkaea - 2096UW
The pūkaea was the largest of the Māori trumpets, ranging in size from one metre (3.2ft) to over two meters (3.4ft) in length. They were made in two pieces and bound together with the roots of the kiekie (climber). Many pūkaea were carved and they often belonged to the chief of a tribe. They were typically used to call the tribe together.
Material: Tōtara
Measurements: 370mm x 150mm x 150mm
$2,250.00