Taonga

Taonga is the Maori word for treasures, which have often been handed down through the generations, each with their own history and stories.

We are privileged to be able to help be the connection between you and many of Tai Tokerau, or Northland's, artists and assist you in the opportunity to have these treasures as your own family heirlooms. Most of these pieces are one-offs, enquire about other pieces. Some of these artists are happy to do commission work.

Please look at our collection from the selections below.

Umbilical cord knife

Umbilical cord knife

 
  • Pounamu umbilical cord cutter by Dallas Crombie. Ngati Kahungunu
  • Click on the image for more from Dallas.
Price: $160
Peter Kitchen

Peter Kitchen

Albatross bone flute. $126    
Albatross bone earings
Albatross bone earings with holes

Price: $126
Kuta Kete

Kuta Kete

A beautiful golden hued kuta kete by Toi Te Rito Maihi

Price: $189
Wild red korowai

Wild red korowai

Details: A gorgeous piece by Kiri Peen- Dark red dyed flax woven and formed into a very wearable cloak detailed with paua highlights. A one-off- perfect for a wedding, graduation or wall peice
Price: $695
Muka kete

Muka kete

Award winning tanekaha dyed handwoven muka kete by well known local weaver Mandy Sunlight. Incredibly intricate museum quality treasure embellished with pheasant feathers. Won 1st prize in the Matakohe Museum Matariki weaving exhibition. More about Mandy and Ahurei

Price: $1595
Korowai pokowhiwhi

Korowai pokowhiwhi

A contemporary and thoroughly wearable woven and dyed flax korowai by Mandy Sunlight. Purple and teal with pingao highlights

Price: $480
Contemporary muka maro

Contemporary muka maro

A total work of art. This handwoven muka wall piece is embellished with peacock feathers and dyed lime muka. A show stopper. By Mandy Sunlight.

Price: $525
Korowai Pingao

Korowai Pingao

A lovingly made shoulder cloak by Mandy Sunlight made from precious Northland Pingao. To be worn on a special occasion or as a wall hanging.

Price: $950
Ipu whenua

Ipu whenua

An ipu whenua is for putting the placenta in after childbirth ready for burying. A perfect gift for whanau. Comes with starch bag inside. By Mandy Sunlight

Price: $75
Kete Whakairo

Kete Whakairo

Harakeke kete whakairo by Rouati Waata

Price: $189
Harakeke shoulder bag

Harakeke shoulder bag

A fabulous contemporary version of a shoulder bag, traditionally woven in two colours of flax with a paua clasp. By Rouata Waata.

Price: $189
Flax backpack

Flax backpack

Get funky with the real macoy. Straightforward harakeke backpack ready for everyday use. Made in Whangarei!!!

Price: $90
Lapega Bowl by Amorangi Hikuroa

Lapega Bowl by Amorangi Hikuroa

A large Ipu rakau by local clayworker Amorangi Hikuroa

Price: $450
Small Ipu

Small Ipu

Small carved white clay bowls by local artist Amorangi Hikuroa

Price: $120 each
Clay Ipu

Clay Ipu

Carved clay ipu by Amorangi Hikuroa

Price: $150
Rei Puta

Rei Puta

Tooth shaped taonga carved from the rarely seen Kiripaka- quartz from Whirinaki- Hokianga. By Whiu Waata.

Read more about Whiu here

Price: $600
Pounamu toki

Pounamu toki

Stunning long almost black pounamu toki with binding detail by Rossi Mc Cabe

Price: $260
Pounamu oval taonga

Pounamu oval taonga

A one-off  oval pounamu taonga  by Rossi McCabe

Price: $225
Tokipoutangata

Tokipoutangata

A stunning tokipoutangata with a whalebone handle carved by Waimarino Brown and Onewa chisel head carved by Rossi McCabe. Pieces like this are rarely seen. We will happily send more photos to interested buyers. A bargain.

Price: $900
Pounamu Tiki

Pounamu Tiki

Pounamu tiki by Ruawai Pakeha master carver Ewan McDonald

Price: $295

Tuatara Design Store & Gallery ~ 29 Bank St, Whangarei, Northand Aoteoroa
Phone: +64 9 4300121 ~  Fax: +64 9 4300121 ~  E-mail: kara@tuataradesignstore.co.nz