Matthew Thornton

Coastal and river-based Māori tribes traditionally used a variety of fishhooks and lures. Hooks and lures varied in shape, material and design. Today hei matau (fishhooks) have become symbolic of traditional Māori technology and continue to symbolize a relationship to Tangaroa, God of the sea.

Hei tiki are the best known of all Māori adornments. Tiki are symbols of fertility that depict a new-born child. They are often family heirlooms bearing personal names and embodying their wearers lineage. As with most Māori personal adornments, hei tiki are often passed down generationally.

Hei tiki are the best known of all Māori adornments. Tiki are symbols of fertility that depict a new-born child. They are often family heirlooms bearing personal names and embodying their wearers lineage. As with most Māori personal adornments, hei tiki are often passed down generationally.

The toki pendent is based on the form of the carving chisel used in whakairo (Māori carving).

The manawa (heart) represents emotional balance, love, generosity and compassion. They are a symbol of family and friendship.

The manawa (heart) represents emotional balance, love, generosity and compassion. They are a symbol of family and friendship.

Raukura (feathers) are in reference to the native birds we have in Aotearoa (New Zealand). These have been fashioned from Raukaraka (NZ Jade).

Shark teeth were highly sought after to wear as a symbol of prestige for personal adornment. They were reflective of the mana of the shark itself. This tooth pendant references the Tiger shark. This shark is an aggressive predator and is found mostly in tropical and warm waters. Tiger sharks are named for the dark, […]

Carved in varying shapes and sizes but stylising the human form. The Manaia is predominantly used as a design element to embellish larger carvings. There are many different interpretations about this form in Māori tradition, some believe the Manaia is a half profile representation while others believe it is a representation of a seahorse – […]

Carved in varying shapes and sizes but stylising the human form. The manaia is predominantly used as a design element to embellish larger carvings. There are many different interpretations about this form in Māori tradition, some believe the manaia is a half profile representation while others believe it is a representation of a seahorse – […]

Carved in varying shapes and sizes but stylising the human form. The manaia is predominantly used as a design element to embellish larger carvings. There are many different interpretations about this form in Māori tradition, some believe the manaia is a half profile representation while others believe it is a representation of a seahorse – […]

Carved in varying shapes and sizes but stylising the human form. The Manaia is predominantly used as a design element to embellish larger carvings. There are many different interpretations about this form in Māori tradition, some believe the manaia is a half profile representation while others believe it is a representation of a seahorse – […]