Māhē Sculpture - Traditional Māori Fishing Weight

Amie Redpath | Traditional Māori Fishing Weight Sculptures – Handcrafted Artisan Taonga

Celebrated Ngāi Tahu artist Amie Redpath brings ancestral Māori fishing traditions to life with her exquisite sculptural interpretation of traditional māhē (fishing weights). Meticulously handcrafted from premium New Zealand stone including red/green argillite, pakohe (greywacke), black jade, and black/white quartz. These collector's pieces represents a perfect fusion of functional heritage and contemporary Māori artistry.

Cultural Significance & Craftsmanship

These equisite sculptures reimagine traditional Māori fishing weights, representing: 

• Authentic adaptation of traditional Māori māhē design
• The sustainable practices of Maōri
• The intimate relationship between Māori and Tangaroa (God of the Sea)

Size & Stone

Series 1: Grey Pakohe & Pounamu

Dimensions:

• Main weight: 76 x 64 x 20mm (grey pakohe with white quartz veins)
• Adorning pounamu weight: 37 x 38.5 x 8mm
• Handwoven natural fibre cord

Series 2: Red/Green Argillite 

Dimensions:

• Main weight: 87 x 50 x 28mm (red/green argillite and pakohe)
• stone toggle: 40 x 23 x 3mm
• Handwoven natural fibre cord

Series 3: Grey Pakohe with White Quartz Veins & Serpentine

Dimensions:

• Main weight: 140 x 80 x 30mm 
• Westport serpentine baby weight
• Handwoven natural fibre cord

Artisan Craftsmanship

Each piece showcases Amie Redpath's mastery of:

✓ Traditional stone carving techniques
✓ Precision stone-on-stone assembly
✓ Authentic cord weaving methods
✓ Harmonious material combinations

Aotearoa Stone 

• Pounamu (NZ greenstone) - sacred in Māori culture
• Pakohe (greywacke) - prized by early Māori for tools
• Argillite - traditional carving stone with striking hues
• Westport serpentine - rare South Island stone

Why Collectors Value These Works

• Limited edition art pieces by acclaimed Ngāi Tahu artist
• Authentic contemporary interpretations of Māori artifacts 
• Investment-grade indigenous artwork

A stunning tribute to Māori maritime heritage – this sculptural fishing weight transforms practical history into a beautiful contemporary art piece.