[{"id":158819188836,"handle":"wood-products-all","updated_at":"2026-05-19T23:04:26+12:00","published_at":"2020-04-24T10:29:02+12:00","sort_order":"price-desc","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"Māori Inspired Wooden Gifts \u0026 Souvenirs","body_html":"\u003cp\u003eOur wood products collection features a range of carvings and décor pieces brought to life through natural timber. From traditional Māori designs to contemporary gift items, each piece is crafted with character and warmth. These wooden treasures celebrate New Zealand’s artistic heritage while offering versatile gifting options for homes, offices, and personal collections.\u003cbr\u003eFrom decorative panels to small sculptures and keepsakes, each item is selected for durability, detail, and cultural significance. Discoveries provides unique pieces carved with care and designed to inspire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWood carving has always been an important part of Māori culture. The waka(canoes) used by the Māori to travel to New Zealand were made from wood and were intricately decorated with Māori carvings to show a tribe's mana and wealth as well as for their mystical powers. They give a narrative of the tribal history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMāori wood carving traditionally used a range of native timbers, such as Kauri, Rimu, and Totara. Today some other timbers such as Mahogany, Swamp Kauri and Pine are commonly used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach Māori wood carving tells a story and records a piece of history. Some of the popular items carved are:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTiki Carving – which depicts the first man in Māori legend.\u003cbr\u003eCarved Patu or Mere – A sort of broad-bladed club weapon.\u003cbr\u003eTaiaha – A closed-quartered staff weapon used for short, sharp strikes or stabbing thrusts.\u003cbr\u003ePutorino and Porotiti – Traditional Māori wind musical instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday you can buy one of our Māori artworks for yourself or as a Māori gift for your friends or whanau. These items are beautiful functional works of art.\u003c\/p\u003e"},{"id":158768431204,"handle":"maori-hardwood-carvings","updated_at":"2026-05-19T23:04:26+12:00","published_at":"2020-04-23T15:53:56+12:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"Māori Wood Products","body_html":"Beautifully Hand Carved Māori Design Ornaments Kitchenware and Wall Art. Each Piece is Individually Carved from Quality Hard Wood."},{"id":158573625444,"handle":"all","title":"Shop for Kiwi Gifts \u0026 Souvenirs","updated_at":"2026-05-19T23:04:26+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"}]
This item is currently on backorder but you can still purchase it now and we'll ship as soon as more become available.
Waka Huia Wooden Treasure Box
Total Size(mm): 400 L x 120 W x 105 D
Hand-carved from Mahogany wood. The Tiki figure has Paua Shell eyes. Please note these magnificent carvings are totally hand carved with hand tools so will have characteristic imperfections.
Waka huia and Papa hou are treasure containers made by Māori. These treasure containers stored a person's most prized personal possessions, such as hei-tiki (pendants), feathers for decorating and dressing the hair such as the tail feathers of the huia, heru (hair comb) and other items of personal adornment. Waka huia and papa hou were designed to be suspended from the low hanging ceiling of Māori whare (houses) where their beautifully carved and decorated undersides could be appreciated. They were highly prized and carefully treasured as they passed through generations. As taonga (treasures), waka huia and papa hou were often gifted between hapu (sub-tribes), whanau (families), and individuals to acknowledge relationships, friendships, and other significant social events.
Great communication before purchase and once ordered they provided details of packing and tracking which really put me at ease as I ordered it for a gift. The person who received it absolutely loves it and said they were even given a bone carving as well. Thanks so much!
