[{"id":158139416676,"handle":"maori-bone-carvings","updated_at":"2025-03-31T23:45:13+13:00","published_at":"2020-04-13T11:48:07+12:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"Buy Traditional Māori Bone Carving NZ","body_html":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDiscover Traditional Pieces of NZ Maori Bone Carvings \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOur collection of Maori bone carvings are made from genuine beef bone sourced in New Zealand. This material varies in texture and appearance which allows us to create completely unique bone pendants in both traditional and contemporary carving designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Traditional bone carving has a long history in the rich culture of New Zealand’s native Maori—the artform is so well-respected that a novice bone carver could expect to spend up to 20 years mastering the skill of bone and wood carving. In its beginnings bone carving was used to create useful tools like fishhooks and heru combs, but it eventually became a way to capture the myths and legends of the Māori people. Soon, Maori bone carvers were producing decorative bone pieces or wearable art to be hung around the neck and displayed proudly across the chest of the wearer. Traditionally these bone carvings were made from the Moa, a native flightless bird or from stranded whale but as these resources ran out, European-introduced animals like pigs, deer and cattle were used in their place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e While our bone carvings are certainly stunning in their design they also carry rich meaning and symbolism. All of the traditional patterns and styles are inspired by the natural environment which surround us in Aotearoa. Take the fishhook (Hei Matua) pendant for example, this carving represents prosperity, abundance, fertility, and strength, and is also seen as good luck charms especially for those travelling over water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Bone carvings have a very special aura or feeling to them, they blend seamlessly with your body over time, taking on your spirit and energy. Find the perfect piece for yourself or your loved one, with our hand-crafted collection below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"},{"id":158573625444,"handle":"all","title":"Shop for Kiwi Gifts \u0026 Souvenirs","updated_at":"2025-03-31T23:45:13+13:00","body_html":"Welcome to our Range of Uniquely Kiwiana Gifts, Jewellery and Souvenirs. We have something delightful for all tastes and interests","published_at":"2020-04-20T16:26:54+12:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"variant_inventory","relation":"greater_than","condition":"0"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":158569103460,"handle":"bone-earrings","updated_at":"2025-03-31T23:45:13+13:00","published_at":"2020-04-20T13:42:12+12:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"Traditional Māori Bone Earrings","body_html":"\u003cspan\u003eA Beautiful Collection of Hand Carved Earrings. Each Set is Individually Carved from Genuine Beef Bone.\u003c\/span\u003e"}]
This item is currently on backorder but you can still purchase it now and we'll ship as soon as more become available.
Bone Wahaika Earrings
Size - bone part only (mm): 70 L x 23 W
Supplied loose in a cellophane bag. These earrings have a brown stain to add a beautiful contrast. The Tiki figure on the side has a Pāua shell eye to add life to the carving.
Wahaika translates to "mouth of the fish, " referring to the notch on one side, which is used to catch an opponent's weapon. This is located just above the tiki figure. The primary striking part is the edge on the opposite side of the tiki. The primary target would have been the opponent's temples, face, and ribs.
Wooden wahaika are often carved with intricate designs. In addition to being a fighting weapon, rangatira would hold wahaika during ceremonies and speeches, especially if they wanted people to pay attention to something important. Special wahaika would only be given to people with considerable ranking in the Māori tribal structure.
