Āhua Gallery

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. This tooth pendant references the tiger shark. This shark is an aggressive predator and is found mostly in tropical and warm waters. Tiger sharks are named for the dark, vertical stripes found mainly on juveniles.

Material: Onewa (Waiotemarama)

Measurements: 105mm x 75mm x 22mm

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: Pounamu (Kawakawa)

Measurements: 55mm x 55mm x 8mm

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. This tooth pendant references the tiger shark. This shark is an aggressive predator and is found mostly in tropical and warm waters. Tiger sharks are named for the dark, vertical stripes found mainly on juveniles.

Material: Onewa (NZ Greywacke)

Measurements: 96mm x 82mm x 19mm

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

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. These earrings are in reference to the Mako shark.

Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa)

Measurements: 45mm x 21mm

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. These earrings are in reference to the Mako shark.

Material: Pounamu (Tokaatea Pounamu)

Measurements: 54mm x 22mm

This Pōtae is a contemporary hat woven with traditional Māori weaving methods.

Material: Harakeke

Circumference: 21 inches

This Pōtae is a contemporary hat woven with traditional Māori weaving methods.

Material: Harakeke

Circumference: 21.5 inches

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. These earrings are in reference to the Mako shark.

Material: Pounamu (Kawakawa)

Measurements: 34mm x 25mm

Tāniko weaving produces a relatively stiff and unyielding fabric, it was traditionally used as a decorative border on fine cloaks of the kaitaka and paepaeroa types. Often several different strips of tāniko appeared on up to three sides of a cloak.

Material: Acrylic Cotton, Leather Lining, Macrame Silks

Measurements: 1150mm x 40mm

The word 'piupiu' means 'to swing’ and is also the name for a skirt with free-hanging strands. Piupiu can be worn either around the waist or across one shoulder. They were made in many types of material and styles.

Material: Harakeke

Measurements: 36 inches

The kākahu takes inspiration from traditional Māori cloaks. A kākahu is mantle of prestige and honour. This kākahu is made from mirowhiti miro (mop yarn) also incorporating materials that represent different types of kākahu including but not limited to kahu huruhuru (feathers) and tāniko.

Material: Cotton, Mop Yarn, Wool, Feathers

Measurements: 875mm x 775mm