maori.org.nz acknowledge
Kemera Wilson
for providing this information.
The most prized bone is whale bone. Carvers in Aotearoa (New Zealand) need to hold a certificate issued by DOC (Dept of Conservation) before they are allowed to collect , buy or sell any whale bone artefacts. The catch also comes with pounamu, native birds and feathers. Note the buy and sell? This also means you cannot sell to someone who does not have the certificate.........* ! * ? *
The most common bone that is around and carved today is beef bone. Sometimes deer antler, goats teeth or bull horns are used instead. Beef bone, when polished is a clean white. As whale bone has a marble look about it or an off yellowish white colour, other artists try to imitate this by staining the beef bone with tea, shoe polish and dyes. If you ever buy a beef bone that does not have a clean white colour - it has been stained - do not get fooled!!!
- When carving bone, ensure that there is adequate ventilation
- Wear a mask when grinding and shaping bone.
