Mr Joe Katoa has been carving bones with Maori designs for more then 30 years. Born in Tonga, one of our beautiful Pacific Islands, his family immigrated to New Zealand in the sixties. His father was a bone carver as well and he taught his son the art of carving at a young age, like he was taught by his father... Joe's son is also a bone carver and works with Joe.

Nowadays mainly beef bone is used for the carvings.
In the early days bones of humans, whales, birds and other animals were used.

Whales were never killed for the bone. Only bones of stranded whales were used, as this was a gift from 'Tangaroa', the Guardian of the Ocean... Whales killed by the 'Pakeha', the European settlers, were not touched by the Maori, as these bones have no 'mauri' or 'mana', spiritual power, status/prestige...

It is tradition that the first bone carving created by a carver will be given away, as the animal gave up it's spirit in order for the carver to use it's bones...

It is a belief of Maori people that it is better to be given a taonga (treasure), than to buy one for yourself.

So find yourself a friend and buy one for each other... * smile *

How to carve a bone

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