Bone Carvings at Moko Pounamu
Moko Pounamu offers one of New Zealand's largest collections of handcrafted whale bone and cow bone carvings, available online and at our Christchurch showroom.
Each piece is created by New Zealand-based artists using ethically sourced materials: whale bone from natural strandings around the coastline of Aotearoa, and sustainably sourced bovine bone. The collection spans traditional Māori forms including toki, hei matau, hei tiki, manaia, and pikorua, as well as contemporary designs.
Whether you're looking for a statement taonga for kapa haka, a meaningful gift, or your first bone carving, you'll find something here that speaks to you.
Why bone carvings?
Bone carving (whakairo kōiwi) holds deep significance in Te Ao Māori (the Māori world).
Whale bone (kōiwi tohorā) is considered taonga. Whales are regarded as descendants of Tangaroa, the atua (god) of the ocean. When a whale strands on the coastline, it is seen as a gift from Tangaroa. Carving the bone is a way of honouring that gift and the mauri (life force) the animal carried during its lifetime.
Bone carvings offer a warm, organic aesthetic that complements pounamu beautifully. Over time, bone develops a rich patina from natural body oils, becoming more beautiful with wear. Many wearers describe their bone taonga as feeling alive: growing warmer and more personal the longer it is worn.
Whale Bone vs Cow Bone: Understanding the Difference
We carry both whale bone and cow bone carvings at Moko Pounamu. Here's how they compare:
Whale Bone
- Ethically sourced from natural strandings around the NZ coastline, including the Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula
- Dense, creamy white, with a smooth grain that takes fine detail beautifully
- Carries taonga status: a sacred connection to Tangaroa and the ocean
- Develops a deep, warm patina over years of wear
- Best for: statement taonga, heirloom pieces, kapa haka, and special occasion wear
- Price range: $350 – $4,000+
Cow Bone
- Sustainably sourced bovine bone
- Slightly lighter and more porous than whale bone, with a similar warm aesthetic
- Widely used in contemporary Māori carving traditions
- Also develops patina with wear over time
- Best for: everyday wear, gifts, and first bone carvings
- Price range: $150 – $400
Both materials are carved into the same traditional forms and carry the same cultural meanings in their designs. The choice often comes down to personal connection, budget, and whether you're drawn to the deeper cultural significance of whale bone as a taonga species.
Moko Pounamu Taniwha Genuine Whale Bone - Te Waha
Moko Pounamu Moko kauae Genuine Whale Bone Carving - Arapito
Moko Pounamu Koropepe Manaia Genuine Whale Bone Carving - Kitekite
Moko Pounamu Whale Bone Wahaika - Motungarara
Moko Pounamu Rei Niho Genuine Whale Bone Carving - Reka
Moko Pounamu Whale Bone Patu - Ahuriri
Moko Pounamu Whale Bone Patu - Karioitahi
Moko Pounamu Tiki Genuine Whale Bone Carving - Waipawa
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