Bone Carvings

Index

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.

Hook Bone Carvings

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 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.

Now Over 40 Designs In This Section
Manaia bone carving
Twist bone carving

Koru Bone Carvings:

The Koru, represents the fern frond as it opens bringing new life and purity to the world. It also represents peace, tranquility and spirituality, along with a strong sense of regrowth or new beginnings.
The Koru is also often associated with nurturing so when interlocked with others is frequently used to represent the strength and purity of a loving relationship or family.

The Koru is often intertwined with other forms such as twists and matau to tell a very special and powerful story

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

Eternity Bone Carving

dragon bone carving

Modern Bone Carvings:

 

These pieces are a mixture traditional decorative styles along with some more contemporary designs. Many are based on Maori legend while some are modern designs inspired by ancient Maori styles with flowing lines, scrolls and soft forms. Some of these pendants are also based on Celtic or oriental designs.

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

dolphin bone carving

Mixed Bone Carvings:

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
Index
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