Āhua Gallery

The tekoteko is a stylised representation of the main progenitor of a tribe and is the most focal point of the whare whakairo (carved tribal meeting house). They can be found – on traditional meeting houses – either at the highest point at the front apex of the roof or at the front central post. They can also be found at the base of the poutokomanawa (the main central ridge support post) of the house.

Material: Tōtara

Measurements: 865mm x 210mm x 180mm

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: 12mm x 25mm x 6mm

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: 12mm x 25mm x 6mm

Often the bailer (tatā, tīheru or tā wai) was beautifully carved, and some were given a name. In canoe traditions, tribal members still name the bailers used on the original voyaging canoes from Polynesia.

Material: Tōtara (Red Pine)

Measurements: 270mm x 370mm

Often the bailer (tatā, tīheru or tā wai) was beautifully carved and some were given a name. In canoe traditions, tribal members still name the bailers used on the original voyaging canoes from Polynesia.

Material: Tōtara

Measurements: 180mm x 300mm x 50mm

The toki pendent is based on the form of the carving chisel used in whakairo (Māori carving).

Material: Pounamu (Hapopo)

Measurements: 73mm x 34mm x 7mm

Toki earrings (or drop earrings) are designed to suspend from the bottom of the earlobes. The length varies from a centimetre or two, all the way to brushing the wearer's shoulders.

Material: Parāoa (Whalebone)

Measurements: 66mm x 14mm x 4mm

Toki earrings (or drop earrings) are designed to suspend from the bottom of the earlobes. The length varies from a centimetre or two, all the way to brushing the wearer's shoulders.

Material: Parāoa (Whalebone)

Measurements: 67mm x 13mm x 3mm

Toki earrings (or drop earrings) are designed to suspend from the bottom of the earlobes. The length varies from a centimetre or two, all the way to brushing the wearer's shoulders.

Material: Parāoa (Whalebone)

Measurements: 75mm x 15mm x 3mm

Toki earrings (or drop earrings) are designed to suspend from the bottom of the earlobes. The length varies from a centimetre or two, all the way to brushing the wearer's shoulders.

Material: Parāoa (Whalebone)

Measurements: 70mm x 9mm x 5mm