Artists | Thomas Herbert
Thomas Herbert thumbnail

Thomas Herbert

Mātanga Whakairo
  • Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Rongomai, Ngāti Te Wehi, Ngāti Whare, Ngāti Hikairo
Wānanga
Te Wānanga Whakairo Rākau o Aotearoa
Description Tommy joined the 36th Intake to NZMACI. He was inspired to join as there was a lack of whakairo (Māori carving) artists in his whānau (family). Tommy knows he is at the right place. “Here at NZMACI, the carving tutors are recognised as the best in the world,” he says. He hopes his skills will benefit his people - “I’d like to leave behind a legacy for future generations.”  

NZMACI showcases Māori culture on global stage - Te Puia

Tommy joined the 36th Intake to NZMACI. He was inspired to join as there was a lack of whakairo (Māori carving) artists in his whānau (family).

Tommy knows he is at the right place. “Here at NZMACI, the carving tutors are recognised as the best in the world,” he says. He hopes his skills will benefit his people – “I’d like to leave behind a legacy for future generations.”

 

NZMACI showcases Māori culture on global stage – Te Puia

Their creations

Sold

Taiaha

The taiaha is a long, slender hand weapon usually made from native hardwood – or in some instances whalebone – and is usually between 1.2 metres (3.9ft) and 2 metres (6.5ft) long. The point is carved to represent the human tongue (arero), above which is the forehead, eyes and upper lip, followed traditionally by a […]
Sold

Taiaha

The taiaha is a long, slender hand weapon usually made from native hardwood – or in some instances whalebone – and is usually between 1.2 metres (3.9ft) and 2 metres (6.5ft) long. The point is carved to represent the human tongue (arero), above which is the forehead, eyes and upper lip, followed traditionally by a […]
Sold

Tewhatewha

The tewhatewha is one of three, two-handed weapons. The axe-like top added excellent balance to the weapon and was used by the chief of the tribe as a form of flag to signal the warriors into battle. In hand to hand combat, this weapon was used much like the taiaha and its cousin, the pouwhenua.

Pūtōrino

Pūtorino varied in length from approximately 23cm (.75ft) to 26cm (.85ft). They were formed from two wooden halves lashed together and their decoration was varied. The sound hole was occasionally made in the form of a tiki mask, the hole representing the mouth of the tiki.
Sold

Kōauau

Kōauau are part of the flute family and come to us from the atua (spiritual entity) of flute music Hine Raukatauri. Kōauau is also the name for a species of hollow kelp, which can also be used to make instruments from. Kōauau are made from a variety of different materials including wood, bone or sometimes […]

Tokotoko

Tokotoko are used when speaking on the marae – by esteemed orators – to indicate the direction of a speaker’s kōrero (speech). They often have the whakapapa (genealogy) of the orator carved into them and these can also be referenced by the orator during his address.
Sold

Wahaika

The literal meaning of wahaika is: ‘waha’ (mouth); and, ‘ika’ (fish). It was specifically named because of the gap on the side of the weapon. Wahaika were used in close hand-to-hand combat to defect blows, and to strike the chest, head and wrist. Many wahaika have a small figure carved on their side called a […]
Visit The Gallery

Subscribe to our newsletter for special offers, updates, and upcoming events!