TAONGA
Below are a diverse range of taonga that we have previously crafted here at Toi Nikorima
We specialise in carving intricate taonga that showcase the essence of our Māori culture to the highest degree. After completing his studies at the illustrious Te Wānanga Whakairo Rākau o Aotearoa (The National Māori Wood Carving School), Isaiah has spent several years honing his skillset to articulate whakairo rākau | Māori wood carving to the finest standard.
Our commitment to bringing kōrero to life through whakairo is unwavering. We take absolute care in maintaining the mauri | essence of your kōrero and ensuring that your words are preserved in the highest quality we can offer.
If you’re seeking a premium taonga of exceptional quality that can be handed down for generations to come, we invite you to browse our taonga for inspiration.
Among the most popular of the taonga we carve, rakau roa refers to any long range weapon often used through traditional cultural practices within te ao Māori including wero, haka and mau rākau etc.
Taiaha were our most common long range weapon, used during combat to keep opponents at a distance. Often carved with a significant tūpuna | ancestor specific to the kaiwhiwhi | recipient, taiaha can offer spiritual protection and guidance.
Pou Whenua are seen as the precursor to the taiaha. An ancient taonga originally used as tribal markers, identifying significant landmarks and boundaries between iwi | tribes. Pou whenua were seen as gateways between the physical and spiritual worlds
Tewhatewha were used by rangatira | chiefs to command and lead war parties within battle. Used as a signalling marker, rangatira would swing tewhatewha in specific patterns and rhythms to coordinate formations during battle.
STARTING FROM $3000 NZD (inc GST)
RAKAU ROA
LONG RANGE WEAPONS
TAIAHA
POU WHENUA
TEWHATEWHA
Another popular taonga range are our rakau iti. These refer to any short range weapon often used through traditional cultural practices within te ao Māori including wero, haka and mau rākau etc.
Patu is the name given to our most common short range weapon. They were used in close combat to deliver quick blows to delicate areas such as the temple and crown. Patu are often plain with a sharpened edge.
Wahaika are a unique variation of patu. These taonga retain all the functionality of a patu, but also has a curved hook and carved lobes used to deflect and ensnare weapons during combat.
Kotiate are another variation of patu. The kotiate also retains the functionality of a patu, but are generally wider in form and contain lobes on both sides to catch and deflect attacks.
STARTING FROM $2200 NZD (inc GST)
RAKAU ITI
SHORT RANGE WEAPONS
PATU
KOTIATE
WAHAIKA
A new venture that we’re exploring are contemporized variations of traditional pendants carved from native wood, highlighting the beautiful characteristics of our traditional rākau through modern forms.
Hei Taiaha are a relatively modern taonga. Inspired by the traditional taiaha, this taonga showcases the intricacies of the upoko | head that’s rarely seen up close.
Hei Tiki Matau are a rare taonga from our ancient past not commonly seen in modern times. This form merges familiar pieces (Hei TIki, Hei Matau) into a hybrid. The contemporary idea comes from crafting this pendant through traditional hard woods.
Hei Pekapeka are a taonga that are inspired by the only species of mammal native to Aotearoa, the bat. Hei pekapeka can reflect characteristics of the native bat including their ability to constantly adapt or act as a kaitiaki for spiritual protection.
STARTING FROM $1800 NZD (inc GST)
WHAKAKAI
ORNAMENTS | PENDANTS
HEI TAIAHA
HEI TIKI MATAU
HEI PEKAPEKA
From time to time we’ve had the absolute privilege of bringing one of a kind pieces to life for special occasions. Whether that be toki poutangata for respected iwi leaders, taonga pūoro to welcome new life into the world or waka huia to carry taonga | ashes, we are more than open to bringing your ideas to life.
Toki Poutangata are ceremonial adzes, reserved for those of tohunga | expert status to conduct sacred practices. They were originally used to carve the first wood chips from waka, wharenui for karakia | incantations.
Pūpakapaka are a rare form of taonga puoro | Māori instrument. Created using a pacific triton shell, this taonga was blown during ancient times to signal certain events, such as the arrival of opposing war parties or the return of significant iwi | tribal individuals.
Waka Huia were taonga synonymous with with rangatira | chiefs. Waka huia were intricately carved vessels, hung from the rafters of the whare to to protect smaller taonga such as pounamu and huia feathers.
PRICING SUBECT TO TAONGA
PUIPUIAKI
ONE OF A KIND TAONGA
TOKI POUTANGATA
WAKA HUIA
PŪPAKAPAKA
