New Zealand Collection

New Zealand Kauri Gum Similar to Amber Copal Carving Maori Warrior 19th Century

New Zealand Kauri Gum Similar to Amber Copal Carving Maori Warrior 19th Century
New Zealand Kauri Gum Similar to Amber Copal Carving Maori Warrior 19th Century
New Zealand Kauri Gum Similar to Amber Copal Carving Maori Warrior 19th Century
New Zealand Kauri Gum Similar to Amber Copal Carving Maori Warrior 19th Century
New Zealand Kauri Gum Similar to Amber Copal Carving Maori Warrior 19th Century
New Zealand Kauri Gum Similar to Amber Copal Carving Maori Warrior 19th Century
New Zealand Kauri Gum Similar to Amber Copal Carving Maori Warrior 19th Century
New Zealand Kauri Gum Similar to Amber Copal Carving Maori Warrior 19th Century

New Zealand Kauri Gum Similar to Amber Copal Carving Maori Warrior 19th Century

This carving depicts a Maori warrior, recognizable by the moko (facial tattoo design) carved into the resin. These busts were made from kauri gum mainly in the late 19th to early 20th century, often as souvenirs for European visitors. Kauri gum is brittle and difficult to carve, so artisans often used smaller blocks for busts tiki and heads.

Kauri gum is a fossilized resin from New Zealand's kauri trees, while amber is a more ancient, chemically altered fossilized resin from various extinct conifers, with the primary difference being age and degree of polymerization. Kauri gum is a form of copal, or "young amber", and has been used for centuries by Maori as a fire starter, pigment for tattoos, and even chewing gum Historical & Cultural Context. Kauri gum carvings were more of a colonial-era crossover craft, produced largely for the tourist market. Nevertheless, they are highly collectible today because they combine natural New Zealand material (kauri gum) with Maori subject matter. Has some damage to the face at the nose, plus general wear and tear.

But this is very old and very cool!


New Zealand Kauri Gum Similar to Amber Copal Carving Maori Warrior 19th Century