Maori wood carving (whakairo rakau) is probably the most renowned and well known type of Maori art. From the arrival of the Polynesian descendants of the Maori in Aotearoa (New Zealand) until a few hundred years later the Maori have perfected this art form. Meeting houses, war canoes (waka) but also smaller items such as weapons, sacred boxes and small statues were ornamented with wood carvings. These highly detailed wood carvings have more or less spiritual meanings. They are undoubtedly made with real craftsmanship. Just like many other Maori art forms they were used as vessels to pass on tribal history. Read on to learn more about the Tiki, Tekoteko, Waka Huia, Taiaha, and other Maori wood carvings.

Whakairo Rakau meaning of the Maori words
Whakairo - the art of carving : Rakau - wood : Whakairo Rakau - the Maori Art of Woodcarving

Maori Tiki Wood Carving
A Tiki wood carving with typical characteristics such as paua shell eyes, the tilted head, a jutting tongue, the traditional three fingers on each hand and spiral shaped (koru) patterns..