• Aurei

Aurei cloak pin Whalebone-tooth, flax fibre On loan from Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, D1914.44

Aurei cloak pin

Rei-puta, muka harakeke Whalebone-tooth, flax fibre

Whakamahia ai tēnei taonga te aurei hei whakamau i ngā pūeru ō te Māori. Kei roto i tana ingoa tōna whakamahukitanga, he au-tui, he mea hanga ki te rei-puta. Nāwai, kua noho hei ingoa karanga ki ēnei tū hanga taonga ō te Māori.

Aurei were used to fasten traditional cloaks over the shoulder. The word au comes from the Māori term for the thatch needle and rei refers to the whale ivory from which some of them were made. Au-rei has come to be a general term for all ornaments of this type.

On loan from Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, D1914.44

 


The museum’s collections are always growing and on this page we share some of the highlights.  Our thanks to the donors for their support.

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Research and access

Researchers can view collections that are not on display by making an appointment with the Museum Collection Manager.  Staff can also take small group tours through the collection storage facilities by appointment.  Please note that staff are not always available immediately and it is advisable to make arrangements as far in advance as possible, particularly if you are only visiting Gisborne for a short period.

Researchers who are unable to visit in person can make their enquiry by email, letter or telephone

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