These items have been sold, and the description, image and price ($US) are for reference purposes only.

There are a diverse collection of objects that represent the

culture and history of the Maori people of New Zealand. These artefacts vary in

type, style, and function, and include the following:

Weapons: Maori weapons were traditionally made from wood,

bone, and stone, and included clubs, spears, and weapons with serrated edges,

such as the patu and mere.

Carvings: Maori carvings are highly symbolic and often

depict stories and legends from Maori mythology. These carvings can be found on

buildings, canoes, and other objects, and are often intricately detailed.

Jewellery: Maori jewellery often features intricate designs

and is made from materials such as bone, stone, and shell. Pendants, earrings,

and bracelets are all common forms of Maori jewellery.

Taonga puoro (musical instruments): These are traditional

Maori musical instruments, such as the p?t?tara (conch shell trumpet) and the

k?auau (flute). Maori music is an important more... part of the culture and these

instruments play a vital role in traditional Maori ceremonies and performances.

Clothing: Maori clothing traditionally includes woven flax

garments, such as the piupiu (a skirt made from flax), as well as cloaks made

from feathers or animal skins.

Waka (canoes): Maori were skilled boat builders and waka

were an important part of Maori culture, used for transport, fishing, and

warfare. Maori waka can be found in a variety of sizes and styles.

Maori artifacts - Important Notice

Under the New Zealand Protected Objects Act 1975, administered by the New Zealand Ministry for Culture & Heritage, the sale, trade, export and ownership of some Maori artefact are regulated
Objects over 50 years old that also have Maori cultural significance must be inspected by Ministry for Culture & Heritage, and if significant the object will be allocated a "Y" number, a unique identification number. Artefacts that have a Y number can only be purchased by those that are registered collectors with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

These collectors have a ‘registered number’. Y numbered artefacts cannot leave the country without written permission from the Ministry for Culture & Heritage. Those who are not registered collectors, and usually reside in New Zealand, can apply to the Ministry for Culture and Heritage to become one.

There are no restrictions on the purchase of Maori items that have no Y number or Pacific Island or other artefacts from around the world.

As this site is a price guide, and does not offer items for sale, the Y numbers applicable to any items on this site are not displayed.. less...

A black coral Nguru (nose flute). Made at the New Zealand Maori…
Black Coral Nguru Nose Flute from Nzmaci, Rotorua, 1960s

A black coral Nguru (nose flute). Made at the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute (Nzmaci), Rotorua,1960s. Length 6.30 in.

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A pair of 20th century ceremonial paddles, carved male and…
Gendered Ceremonial Paddles with Maori Motifs

A pair of 20th century ceremonial paddles, carved male and female forms. The male plays a putorino, the female with te moko and hands placed to belly. 40.16 in. length

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Nguru, nose flute, ngati Raukawa, Aotearoa, the singing voice…
Nguru: Maori Nose Flute with Divine Musical Connection

Nguru, nose flute, ngati Raukawa, Aotearoa, the singing voice of Hineraukataui, the Maori goddess of music is said to be heard when the Ngauru is played. Nguru are played by blowing air from the nose directly into the flutes opening. Carved from a single p

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Nguru (nose flute), light brown color with two holes to the…
Wheku Nguru Flute

Nguru (nose flute), light brown color with two holes to the front and three to the reverse of the body. Wheku head carved in relief to one end. 5.91 in. length.

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A mid-late 20th century Maori carved putorino (bugle flute)…
Maori Carved Putorino with Masks and Paua Inserts

A mid-late 20th century Maori carved putorino (bugle flute) traditional tapered form with two carved masks, paua inserts, waxed thread binding, length 19.29 in. Not registered.

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A 20th century Maori carved traditional koauau (flute), carved…
Maori Full Relief Carved Koauau Flute

A 20th century Maori carved traditional koauau (flute), carved in full relief with stylised full figure, the body with kowhaiwhai and adzed designs, three finger holes outlined with paua, bound with fine woven fibre. Length 8.66 in.

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A contemporary Maori carved koauau (flute), the exterior…
Maori Carved Koauau on Antler Stand

A contemporary Maori carved koauau (flute), the exterior profusely carved with Maori motifs, on antler stand. Maker's mark of three crossed fish. Height 7.09 in.

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A Maori contemporary carved kauau flute, with three finger…
Maori Kauau Flute with Paua Shell Outlining

A Maori contemporary carved kauau flute, with three finger holes outlined with paua shell. Length 6.30 in.

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Maori double flute, unusual form double flute with incised face…
Maori Double Flute with Face Motif and Fibre Binding

Maori double flute, unusual form double flute with incised face motif on both terminals. Finely wrought fibre binding. Provenance: Purchased from Senta Taft at Galleries Primitif, Paddington circa 1970. New Zealand, 19.29 in.

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Important nguru flute. This artefact is a marine ivory nguru…
Marine Ivory Nguru Flute from New Zealand

Important nguru flute. This artefact is a marine ivory nguru given to Commander James Wood RN on one of his journeys to New Zealand between 1837 and 1843 the artefact comes to auction from the present owner who is a direct descendent of Commander Wood. Mas

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