[{"id":158139416676,"handle":"maori-bone-carvings","updated_at":"2025-05-08T02:00:04+12:00","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 Māori Bone Carvings \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOur collection of Māori 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 Māori—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, Māori 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\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"},{"id":158573625444,"handle":"all","title":"Shop for Kiwi Gifts \u0026 Souvenirs","updated_at":"2025-05-08T02:00:04+12:00","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":158568480868,"handle":"maori-necklace","updated_at":"2025-05-07T00:30:16+12:00","published_at":"2020-04-20T13:42:12+12:00","sort_order":"price-desc","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"Shop for Māori Bone Necklaces","body_html":"\u003cbr\u003eThese beautiful pendants are hand-carved for beef-bone. Many are in the traditional Maori style while others are more contemporary. Our bone carvers go the extra mile to create a true wearable art."}]
This item is currently on backorder but you can still purchase it now and we'll ship as soon as more become available.
Manaia/Tiki Breastplate Necklace
Size (mm): 134 x 36
This bone carving is a beautiful piece of Māori jewelry. This Māori breastplate comes with a black wax cord. The height that the pendant hangs at can be adjusted using the sliding knots. The eyes of the Manaia and Tiki are made from Pāua shell. These pendants are difficult to make as they have many cutouts, but the result is well worth it. Care needs to be taken when storing this carving as the cutouts weaken the structure.
Each carving is supplied loose in a cellophane bag. Each piece is individually carved so slight variations can occur.
The Manaia is a symbol of protection and acts as a guardian against evil.
The Tiki represents the human form and one's ancestors. Traditionally passed from parent to child or used for protection and good luck.
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