Bone jewelry is popular in New Zealand; the Maori people excel in bone carving.

Being hard, durable and simple to work with, it was a natural choice for jewelry making. Moa bone, seal ivory and human bone were the main sources.

Over a period of time, bone carvings absorb oils from your skin and change colour to light honey gold.

The Maori believe this to be the carving taking on some of your spirituality or essence, thus truly becoming a part of the wearer.

Modern artists take their inspiration not only from Maori mythology but also from the many other cultures.

Basically, they illustrate deep respect for the natural and spiritual worlds.

Some also incorporate inlays of beautiful rainbow colored Paua shell. They are worn as talismans during fishing expeditions.

Manaia bone carvings: The Manaia is a mythical being with a bird's head and a human form.

It can be seen blended into many Maori designs with subtle differences between tribes.

Koru bone carvings: Koru represents the fern frond and it represents peace, tranquility and spirituality, re-growth or new beginnings.

Twist bone carvings: A crisscross form that represents the many paths of life and love and it is regarded an eternity symbol.

It signifies the strength and the bond of friendship, loyalty and love.