Wheua - Bone

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

Heru were produced in varying shapes and sizes and were made from wood, and in some instance’s 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 some sacred place for safe keeping because the head was the most sacred part of the body and therefore tapu (sacred).

Material: Koiwi (Beef Bone)

Measurements: 180mm x 30mm

Material: Koiwi (Beef Bone)

Measurements: 42mm x 47mm x 6mm

The mark of a high Chief was one who wore the hei niho (whale tooth pendant), as the teeth of the sperm whale were highly prized because of their rarity. Usually these pendants had simply etched out eyes to form a head at one end. With actual whale teeth being such a rarity, it became common to fashion the tooth form from other materials.

Material: Koiwi (Beef Bone)

Measurements: 67mm x 40mm

The mark of a high Chief was one who wore the hei niho (whale tooth pendant), as the teeth of the sperm whale were highly prized because of their rarity. Usually these pendants had simply etched out eyes to form a head at one end. With actual whale teeth being such a rarity, it became common to fashion the tooth form from other materials.

Material: Koiwi (Beef Bone)

Measurements: 60mm x 33mm x 4mm

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: Koiwi (Beef Bone)

Measurements: 35mm x 32mm

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: Koiwi (Beef Bone)

Measurements: 30mm x 23mm

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: 137mm x 9mm x 9mm

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: 123mm x 12mm x 8mm

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: 95mm x 11mm x 10mm

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: 90mm x 13mm x 6mm

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: 100mm x 13mm x 5mm