The Bone Art Place

Featured here are a selection of pieces by the very talented Alex Sands, one of our most versatile carvers. These pieces are called Kōuma, or breastplates. Being larger than many other pendants, they allow the beauty of the jade, or Pounamu, to stand right out. The selection shown here also demonstrate that Pounamu comes in a great many different colours and patterns, depending on where the stone comes from and what part of the stone the piece was cut from.
Traditionally they served as a shield and gave courage, protection and a feeling of safety to the wearer. Pacific Island cultures also used this Kouma for the same purpose, often made from large, flat shells that were bound and carved.
You can see the pieces on the Bone Art website here:
https://boneart.co.nz/products/small-jade-breast-plate-by-alex-sands-j5403?_pos=1&_sid=dc313fe27&_ss=r
https://boneart.co.nz/products/small-jade-breast-plate-by-alex-sands-j5398?_pos=1&_sid=c9e646470&_ss=r
https://boneart.co.nz/products/small-handcarved-jade-breast-plate-by-alex-sands-j5401?_pos=1&_sid=d54017080&_ss=r
https://boneart.co.nz/search?type=product&q=J5374





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The Maori Koru design is perhaps one of the best known and most iconic images associated with Aotearoa/New Zealand and Maori culture in particular. we see it everywhere, even decorating the sides of our national airline planes, Air New Zealand. There is talk of it being used when we let go of our traditional flag, instead of the current Union Jack.
The Koru is based on a spiral, representing the native fern frond as it opens, bringing new life. It also represents peace, tranquillity and spirituality along with a strong sense of regrowth or new beginnings. It also represent the strength and purity of a loving relationship within a family.
There are many variations on how the Koru is used and here are some examples, based on a circular ring with the Koru integrated into the design. You can check out a bigger selection here:
https://boneart.co.nz/collections/jade-koru-spirals


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The pieces we show you here give an idea of how varied New Zealand Jade, or Pounamu, can be. These pieces are all Inanga Jade. Inanga Pounamu is identified by its pearly white or grey/green colours. This stone got its name from the New Zealand Inanga, or tiny Whitebait fish. It is found in the seven areas where Pounamu is sourced. It is particularly treasured by the southern Maori, the Ngai Tahu.

Bone Art Place is proud to represent some of the very best bone and jade carvers in Aotearoa New Zealand. We are 100% Kiwi made; all the pieces we sell are made here by either Maori or people who work closely with Maori. So what we sell can be guaranteed as the real deal.
That leads us to this amazing piece by Alex Sands, a man with many years experience in bone and jade, or pounamu. It is called a patu. These were made as a weapon for close quarters battle. As far as we know, pieces such as this are no longer used for that purpose! They are purely a celebration of the art of fine stone carving and show the craftsmanship of the carver. This piece is made from Pakohe stone, maybe better known as Argillite. Almost black with lighter dots and flecks. Check out more details here:
https://shorturl.at/i4Y7t

When it comes to the "wow!" factor, the Maori Tiki certainly has that impact. It is perhaps the most iconic of all Maori motifs and can often be seen in jade (pounamu), as in the photo and in bone carving. The one shown here is large: 145mm or 5.7inches long.
But it is also often seen in large wood carvings, such as the main posts on either side of the entry to a meeting house and in many other places of importance.
The Tiki is a symbol representing the first man of the world and the bringer of all knowledge. The wearer of a Tiki possesses clarity of thought, loyalty, great inner knowledge and strength of character. The Tiki is also regarded as a good luck charm.
Click the link here to see more detail:
https://rb.gy/3qckrr




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Double special here! Check this great piece out. It has been reduced by NZ$400.

This is a stand-out hand-carved jade or pounamu pendant. It is very under-stated and simple, yet powerful! Made from New Zealand flower jade or Pounamu, with inset eyes in Paua shell, made by Kerry Thompson. There are beautiful colour variations in the stone, which is a characteristic of the flower jade.
double Manaia
It also includes a wooden gift box to protect the piece.

The Pekapeka is a two-headed, horizontal Manaia. It is one of the few traditional Maori necklace styles that hang horizontally.

The Manaia is one of the more ancient mythical beings, often depicted with a bird's head and a human form. It is the messenger between the earthly world of mortals and the world of the spirits. The Manaia is regarded as a kind deity protecting the people. The Manaia is a holder of great spiritual energy and is a guardian against evil.

Want to know more? Click on the link: https://boneart.co.nz/collections/exhibition-gallery/products/large-flower-jade-pekapeka-kt567


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Something fishy is going on! These pieces show that not all the work we sell is traditional. Some of it is very modern and sometimes whimsical, so we wanted to highlight some sea creature pieces for you, by a selection of our great carvers. The Maori word for all kinds of marine life is ika; their word for the sea is moana and their word for seafood is kaimoana, which provided essential proteins and fats for tribe members. Māori believed every fish in the sea was a descendant of Tangaroa, the God of the sea. Enjoy...
https://boneart.co.nz/collections/bone-of-the-oceans/products/small-bone-turtle-pendant-handcrafted-necklace-4-03
https://boneart.co.nz/products/whale-tail-4-23?_pos=1&_sid=383d4c8db&_ss=r
https://boneart.co.nz/products/bone-dolphin-4-16?_pos=1&_sid=e651f7056&_ss=r
https://boneart.co.nz/products/intricate-ngohi-fish-carving-by-nick-balme-j5246?_pos=1&_sid=9dc44bfd7&_ss=r




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Special promotion! We are offering a 15% discount this month on all Shaun Gardiner's work available on our website. We have a great selection of one-off new pieces of his, which demonstrate his great skill with jade carving. They are delicate and lyrical, which is very much his style. He always sources magic pieces of pounamu to carve, often with a translucency that makes them really unique.
Don't forget to enter the special promotion code - Shaun15
Simply click on the link below to view the full range.
https://boneart.co.nz/collections/shaun-gardiner-jade




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A hand-crafted bone carved Heru, or comb, with a traditional paua inlay in the eye of the Manaia motif at the top. Heru were used by Māori men to fasten their long hair, which was oiled and sometimes braided into a topknot. With men growing their hair longer and finding creative ways to tie it up, the Heru is a great way to do this and is sure to get lots of admiring comments.
The Manaia is a very traditional mythical Maori deity, a holder of great spiritual energy and a guardian against evil. It is regarded as a kind deity, protecting people and helping them communicate with their ancestors.
Here is the link to the piece:
https://boneart.co.nz/products/bone-heru?_pos=1&_sid=b052c53b8&_ss=r
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Bone Art - Our Autumn Sale `- 15% Sale Storewide -

Bone Art - Our Autumn Sale `- 15% Sale Storewide Embrace the enchanting beauty of NZ Bone and Jade carvings this season - offering an exclusive 15% off storewide, and let the captivating allure of our unique collection elevate you or a loved ones everyday Jewelry.

Do you know what a Manaia is? The Manaia is an ancient Maori mythical being, depicted as having the head of a bird and the tail of a fish and the body of a man, though it is sometimes depicted as a bird, a serpent, or a human figure in profile. It is said to be a messenger between mortals and the the spirit world. The Manaia is traditionally believed to be the messenger between the earthly world of mortals and the domain of the spirits, and its symbol is used as a guardian against eviI. These are unique to Aotearoa/New Zealand and are not found in other Pacific cultures.
The 2 pieces shown here are by Nick Balme. These are both larger sizes, one is 60mm long and the other is 75mm long.
https://tinyurl.com/y3rwhtwf
https://tinyurl.com/mry5w8yh
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Highlighting for you a selection of Pikorua or Twist-style bone and jade, to give you an idea of the variety of styles you can find on our website.
The twist with its crisscross form represents the many paths of life and love and is regarded as the original eternity symbol. In the last photo, the artists blends the same spirit of the Pikorua with the Koru design in the piece. The Koru is based on the fern frond, native to New Zealand, which is perhaps the most common motif in Maori art and is used in wood, bone, jade carving, as well as weaving, particularly Tukutuku panels. It represents peace, tranquility and spirituality, as well regrowth or new beginnings.
You can see these on our BoneArt website:
#1 https://rb.gy/336us4
#2 https://xx.nz/yGwfj
#3 https://xx.nz/aIjwC
#4 https://xx.nz/AhqXI
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You may think we only sell bone and jade for adornment. So here is something completely different, a Maori nose flute, or Nguru by one of our great artists, Nick Balme. Carved from jade, or pounamu, the Nguru is unique to Aotearoa/New Zealand. It always has an up-turned snout end, into which the player exhales through one nostril, which produce melodious, low-sobbing notes. It is said to invoke the voice of Hineraukatauri, the female ancestral spirit of Māori music. Nguru can be made of wood, stone, or whale ivory, and were often played at times of great sorrow, such as tangihanga (funerals).
Check in here for more information:
https://boneart.co.nz/products/jade-koauau-flute-by-nick-balme-j5359?_pos=1&_sid=025c2deba&_ss=r

We had to bring these 2 jade or pounamu pendants to your attention because of the beautiful detailing in the stones. Created by one of our best pounamu artists, Alex Sands. He really knows how to get the best out of each piece of stone with the subtle faceting of the edges!
Have a look on the website here:
https://boneart.co.nz/collections/nick-and-mady-jade-artists/products/pounamu-hei-toki-by-nick-balme-j5362
https://boneart.co.nz/collections/nick-and-mady-jade-artists/products/pounamu-hei-toki-by-nick-balme-j5363

These greenstone drops, Roimata, are made by Al Brown, one of our most esteemed and renowned carvers. Al usually carves our traditional tiki and mere but here he has made some simple treasures for us. They are really special pieces of pounamu; have a close look at the detail in the group photo.
Roimata, or tear drops, are said to come from the tears shed during the separation of Rangi (Sky father) and Papatuanuku (Earthmother).
The symbolism signifies reassurance, positive energy, healing and comforting.
Check these out here:
https://boneart.co.nz/products/jade-roimata-drop-pendant-j5347?_pos=3&_sid=215ee1f94&_ss=r

Every now and then we get a piece of jade that really deserves to be seen. This breast plate pendant with complex hand-carving in stunning satin deep green New Zealand Kawakawa pounamu is a great example. Carved with great skill and delicacy by Madelyne Gourdin, it stands out with his very distinctive design. Stylised Gingko leaves surround two inset pieces of Siberian white jade on the front and one piece of the same white jade on the reverse. It would make a strong statement on a man or a woman, being 120mm (4.72 inches) long.
Definitely an heirloom piece!
Click on the link to have a closer look:
https://boneart.co.nz/collections/jade-mixed-traditional/products/kawa-jade-breast-plate-by-nick-balme-j5356

Following on from our earlier post with the great selection of hook or matau carvings in bone, we are offering a special deal on our hammerhead hooks.

To get a 15% discount -Use the code: HOOK15 when you go through checkout.
See links below for the 2 styles of hammerhead on offer: https://boneart.co.nz/products/bound-hammerhead-shark-matau-181x?_pos=4&_sid=dc5df8f07&_ss=r
https://boneart.co.nz/products/bone-matau-1-81?_pos=3&_sid=5b0da8fba&_ss=r
This special runs until next Monday 27th May.

Because of the importance to the Maori of the sea and the food it provided them, the hei-matau was one of the most popular motifs they used in their bone carving. It represents prosperity, abundance and fertility. The hammerhead shark was believed to be a powerful protector of the deep, which allowed it to move between the mortal and spiritual realms at will. It therefore carried great significance to Maori.

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The Bone Art Place Traditional and contemporary hand-made jade, bone & wood art, sculptures and jewellery by New Zealand & Pacific artists. We stock a huge range by some of the very best artisans and artists working today.

We have a good selection of Ernesto Ovalle's toki jade pieces in stock, which is something he specialises in. Notice the curved shaping on the bottom edge of these pendants, which is also a feature of his work. Ernesto journeys down to the West Coast of the South Island to source his material. He learnt the art of jade carving in Hokitika and loves working with unusual and unique pieces of jade.
You can find examples of his work here:
https://boneart.co.nz/collections/guest-artists-jade/products/bound-jade-toki-by-ernesto-ovalle-j4930
https://boneart.co.nz/collections/guest-artists-jade/products/bound-jade-toki-by-ernesto-ovalle-j5336
https://boneart.co.nz/collections/guest-artists-jade/products/bound-jade-toki-by-ernesto-ovalle-j5337

Featuring a selection of hei-matau, or hook styles of bone carving. Matau designs are as varied as the carver and their interpretation. Included in these photos is the hammerhead matau (photos 2,3,4.) Because of the importance to the Maori of the sea and the food it provided them, the hei-matau was one of the most popular motifs they used in their bone carving. It represents prosperity, abundance and fertility. The hammerhead shark was believed to be a powerful protector of the deep, which allowed it to move between the mortal and spiritual realms at will. It therefore carried great significance to Maori.

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Following on from our earlier post showing the Uenuku contemporary pendants by David Brosnahan, we also have a selection of wall art created by him, scaled up in size. The lime green one in the photo is 480mm or 18.89 inches long. The blue one in the next photo is 400mm or 15.74 inches long. So these are large enough to make a big splash on your wall but not so big that you will need a whole wall to hang it on!
Note that we can source other combinations of colours. The 4th photo shows 2 other examples on a wall at Kura, our sister gallery here in Wellington.
Check them out here:
Green Uenuku - https://boneart.co.nz/collections/wood-wall-art/products/contemporary-tiki-wall-art-a100
Blue Unenuku - https://boneart.co.nz/collections/wood-wall-art/products/tiki-wall-art-contemporary-work-a101

We just love this exquisite jade matau with koru, made by the very talented Ernesto Ovalle. Featuring complex binding, deep green pounamu with subtle curves and lines, making this an exceptional piece.
tps://boneart.co.nz/collections/jade-matau-fish-hooks/products/jade-koru-matau-pendant-j5342

We just love this exquisite pounamu matau (hook) with koru by the very talented Ernesto Ovalle. The subtle curves, details and careful binding are what distinguish this piece, making it very special.
https://admin.shopify.com/.../bone.../products/7321345196114

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The Bone Art Place

These contemporary tiki certainly have the wow factor! A very modern take on an ancient Maori motif, designed by talented maker David Brosnahan. Stand out from the crowd when wearing one of these very affordable pieces. Available in a range of different colour combinations. Made from CNC cut plywood.
https://boneart.co.nz/products/contemporary-tiki-pendant-j5346?_pos=1&_sid=0e1dcd395&_ss=r

We are very excited to show you this exceptional piece of pale Inanga jade or pounamu. The design is called a twist or Pikorua in Maori. These are one of our most popular styles. What makes this piece so different is that it is not only a double twist but it is is framed by an outer circle, or ring, all carved from the same piece of stone. It shows incredible artistry and craftsmanship to achieve this delicacy and beauty.
https://admin.shopify.com/store/bone-art-2/products/7308576587858

Great to have our large tiki back in stock. Always popular. It's hard to find such finely detailed bone carving and the paua inlay make these stand out.
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This stunning contemporary toki style breastplate by Alex Sands is carved in a very unusual pale kokopu jade. Alex is highly skilled at interpreting traditional Maori designs in a contemporary way. The binding suggests the way implements were attached to a wooden handle. The toki, or adze, was one of the primary tools Maori used for adzing, chopping, carving, tilling fields and sometimes as a weapon. When interpreted as adornment, pieces have a chisel tip.
The toki (adze) is a symbol of strength, determination, and courage in times of adversity.
boneart.co.nz/products/inanga-jade-pendant-by-alex-sands-j5312?_pos=46&_sid=e1e6b1fd0&_ss=r


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Kia ora. New stock is pouring in! We have some exciting new pieces for you to look at. Check out the small sample of work that has been added to the website. Go to https://boneart.co.nz if you want to purchase any. Each image has the code included to make it easy to find. There will be more added in the next few weeks. We are excited, hope you are too......


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We have some great news for Kura Gallery in Auckland Tamaki Makarau. On 20 March this year an incredibly important piece of taonga ataahua work, a Kotiate Tohora, was stolen from their gallery. This was very distressing for everyone, especially as this piece was one of three carved from the same whale jaw bone. One had been returned to the carver who gave the kaiwhakairo the koiwi, one sits with his children and the one that was stolen was in the Auckland gallery. Last weekend the incredible whanau at contacted them to let them know the Kotiate, now named "Ki Uta, Ki Tai," had been recovered. The first photo shows Kura staff at the Incarcerated Arts gallery being given the piece.

We are back with a bang! We have received a lot of new great pieces of jade recently and have been busy getting these up online for you. We are sure there will be something to appeal to all tastes coming through. More to follow! We're on a roll again.