Bone Carvings

Bone carvings and artwork have a very special feel about them, unlike anything else you will ever experience. Their milky white appearance and soft flowing lines are just the start. They are soft and warm to the touch yet the finish is like polished glass, they seem to blend with your body and become a part of you, especially when worn as a pendent against your skin. Over a period of time bone carvings absorb oils from your skin and change colour to a very light honey gold. The Maori believe this to be the carving taking on some of your spirituality or essence and thus truly becoming a part of the wearer.

Don't be fooled by the web sites and shops selling so called "Kiwi" or "Maori" bone carvings very cheaply that are actually being made in factories in China, India and Malaysia, especially if the company is not even based in New Zealand
We support real local artists so all bone carvings in the sections below are made right here in New Zealand.

Hei-Matau Bone Carvings: These very stylised fish hook bone carvings or pendants represent prosperity,abundance, fertility and strength. They are also seen as good luck charms, particularly for those traveling over water. Hei-Matau are symbols of power and authority which are held in great reverence by the Maori people. Some also incorporate inlays of beautiful rainbow coloured Paua shell. Now Over 50 Designs In This Section

Manaia & Taniwha Bone Carvings: The Manaia is an ancient mythical being with a birds head and a human form. It is said to be the messenger between the earthly world of mortals and the domain of the spirits. The Manaia is a holder of great spiritual energy and is a guardian against evil. It can be seen blended into many Maori designs with subtle differences between tribes. This section also includes many other beings from Maori mythology. Taniwha are often referred to as sea monsters but in reality are protectors of the rivers and lakes but they will however exact punishment on those who do not respect the waters. The Marakihau is a deep sea Taniwha that will use its hollow tongue to suck up boats or even people in coastal villages who it feels have done wrong to the ocean. Now Over 40 Designs In This Section

Koru Bone Carvings: These pieces are a mixture of mostly traditional styles that don't fit into other areas on this site. They include special designs such as the sacred Tiki along with some that are based on figures from the carvings found on war canoes and buildings. The twist shown here represents eternity and the coming together of cultures. Now Over 30 Designs In This Section

Twist Bone Carvings: The twist with its crisscross form represents the many paths of life and love and as such is regarded as the original eternity symbol. The single twist in particular shows the joining together of two people for eternity. Even though they sometimes move away from each other on their own journeys, they will always come together again sharing their lives and blending to become one. It tells how the strength of bond of friendship, loyalty and love will last forever. Now Over 30 Designs In This Section

Whales. Dolphins
& Other Creatures of the Oceans:

The ocean has always been the dominant force for the Maori people who traveled huge distances in their long canoes and lived on the bounty of the tropical waters. They had a great respect for the creatures on the sea and in particular dolphins and whales.

Now Over 30 Designs In This Section

Mixed Bone Carvings:

These pieces are a mixture of mostly traditional styles that don't fit into other areas on this site.
They include special designs such as the sacred Tiki along with some that are based on figures from the carvings found on war canoes and buildings.

Now Over 40 Designs In This Section

Featured Artists & Unique or Limited Edition Custom Carvings:

These are very special carvings are often spectacular unique or limited edition pieces in bone, pearl, wood or jade from guest artists and are not part of our normal range.

These often reclusive artists take their inspiration not only from Maori mythology but also from the many other cultures that now share our beautiful land. They also illustrate the deep respect these artists have for the natural and spiritual worlds.

As soon as each carving is sold it will be removed from our site permanently so check for updates often and be quick when you find one that you like, it may be your only chance!!