A carved wooden Maori wheku mask with shell inlay eyes.

Maori art, particularly carving (whakairo), is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual traditions of the indigenous people of New Zealand. These carvings often depict ancestors, deities, and mythological figures, serving as historical records, protective talismans, and representations of mana (prestige and spiritual power). The intricate spiral patterns, known as koru, symbolize new life, growth, and continuity.

Wheku, or carved faces, are a prominent form within Maori art, often found on meeting houses (wharenui), canoes (waka), and as standalone figures. The use of paua shell or other natural materials for the eyes is characteristic, giving the figures a lifelike and powerful gaze. While traditional carvings are highly valued, contemporary Maori artists also create pieces in traditional styles, making it important to distinguish between historical artifacts and modern interpretations.