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If the Māori people of New Zealand had access to their own version of Ancestry.com they would find that their forbears migrated there from Polynesia over 700 years ago or more.  There are a number of theories about how these ancient people came to be in New Zealand but it doesn’t really matter as far as this web site is concerned. 

What concerns us is the rich culture that they bought to New Zealand in the form of arts and crafts.  Their main activities have always been weaving and the carving of wood, bone and Jade. More recently they have also carved pearl shell, whale, shark, and turtle.  The carvings decorate a rich variety of artefacts that includes houses, canoes, “mock” weapons and personal ornamentation; often they illustrate myths, legends and events from their past history. 

The Māori people are also adept at making traditional mats, baskets, rope, fishing nets and clothing from the harakeke (flax plant).  The traditional arts and crafts of the Māori are being kept alive by the efforts of the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute (NZMACI) at Te Puia.

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Maori Art

Honey Smoked Bone Carving

Whale Bone Carving