Bonecraft

Bonecraft Andrew Doughty is a New Zealand based Bone carver and artist. Each carving is handcrafted with love.

His wish is to create carvings that communicate meanings of inner peace and hope. His wish is to create carvings that communicate and promote a peaceful mind. Each carving comes with a detailed description of its meaning and symbolism. Each creation has been blessed as it is traditional in New Zealand for carvings to be blessed before wearing it or giving it away. Carvings are accompanied by a cer

tificate of authenticity signed by the Artist and each piece is registered in the Artists database of work.

This Taonga was a commission I recently completed. It is named Pūtahi - meaning to join, meet. It represents the centre,...
19/03/2026

This Taonga was a commission I recently completed. It is named Pūtahi - meaning to join, meet. It represents the centre, an intersection, and a confluence. Additionally, it is the name for the centre of the star-like pattern for mū tōrere, a traditional Māori game. This name also has connections to the sky, as represented by long stratus clouds.

The main basis of this chest-plate carving is the outspread wings of the mighty Kāhu or hawk. The left wing represents love and compassion, and the right wing represents wisdom and discernment.

Kāhu nurture their young, they travel great distances to ensure they are fed, and create safe nesting grounds. As such the hawk also represents safety, manaaki and whanau. Traditionally, the great falcon was also a symbol of victory and chieftainship. They are fearless supreme aerial hunters.

Te kāhu i runga whakaaorangi ana e rā,
Te pērā koia tōku rite, inawa ē!
The hawk up above moves like clouds in the sky.
Let me do the same!

This simple set of two carvings is named as one taonga called Tūhononga. This name means connection.They are a combinati...
11/03/2026

This simple set of two carvings is named as one taonga called Tūhononga. This name means connection.

They are a combination of Douglas Creek pounamu and Mother of Pearl. This pair of carvings have been made from the same stone, and the inlays are from the same shell.

These taonga are designed to interlock together and form a spiral.

This spiral is reminiscent of a galaxy. A galaxy spans almost inconceivable distances and gives birth to numerous stars. Associated with this is great mystery. Therefore, within this imagery is a wonderful metaphor for great love and liniage.

At another level, this spiral represents the eternal movements of life and depicts the dance of two becoming one.

Individually, each taonga forms a koru. The koru symbol is common in New Zealand and is inspired by the unfurling of the new fern fronds. Meanings associated with this are new growth, new beginnings and awakening.

This is availible for purchase here:
https://bonecraft.co.nz/shop/p/thononga-connection

This Taonga is part of the Te ora kaha (Powerful Life) serries. It is named Tu te ao - Tu te po which means Stand by day...
04/03/2026

This Taonga is part of the Te ora kaha (Powerful Life) serries. It is named Tu te ao - Tu te po which means Stand by day - Stand by night. It is made from a substancial and weighty piece of Douglas Creek pounamu.

This taonga is availible here along with the full meaning:
https://bonecraft.co.nz/shop/p/stand-by-day-stand-by-night

Here is something a bit different. This carving is named Rōnaki which means gliding easily. The basis of this taonga is ...
27/02/2026

Here is something a bit different. This carving is named Rōnaki which means gliding easily.

The basis of this taonga is inspired by the world’s only mountain parrot, the kea. Found throughout the rugged mountains of the South Island, the kea is fiercely intelligent. Kea are one of the most intelligent birds in the world. If you stop for a coffee at Authers Pass, be careful, as the local kea have been known to get one of their flock to distract you, so others can slip in unnoticed and make off with whatever their cheeky eyes find interesting.

This bone Taonga has a buffalo horn eye. The horn is strongly associated with strength and leadership. The kea is depicted as gliding. Therefore, it is a symbol of grace.

Kea are currently an endangered species. As such, I will donate 10% of each sale belonging to the kea design series of carvings to the Kea Conservation Trust. This taonga can be purchased here:
https://bonecraft.co.nz/shop/p/gliding-easily

This Taonga is called Kokoi. This word means sharp (as in clever, astute, intelligent). This name is also a play on the ...
26/02/2026

This Taonga is called Kokoi. This word means sharp (as in clever, astute, intelligent). This name is also a play on the overall shape of the carving which is reminiscent of a tooth.
The main basis of this piece consists of three interconnected manaia. They speak of the interplay between our physical body, the spirit and the world around us.
All the manaia are facing outwards. This represents a life that is serving and blessing others.

This taonga is available for purchase. More information can be found here:
https://bonecraft.co.nz/shop/p/kokoi-sharp

This substantial taonga is whalebone with inlays of pounamu, pāua, mother of pearl, and opal. It is named Pā Whakawairua...
24/02/2026

This substantial taonga is whalebone with inlays of pounamu, pāua, mother of pearl, and opal.

It is named Pā Whakawairua. This translates to expression for the mauri of a person or place. It can also mean spiritual leader.

The full meaning can be found here:
https://bonecraft.co.nz/shop/p/expression-for-the-mauri

This Manaia is named Pāhekoheko which means unite. It is a combination of bone, pounamu, and a copper inlay in between.....
15/02/2026

This Manaia is named Pāhekoheko which means unite. It is a combination of bone, pounamu, and a copper inlay in between...

This taonga is a mix of bone, brass and pounamu. The pounamu comes from the Arahura river near Hokatika on the West Coas...
11/02/2026

This taonga is a mix of bone, brass and pounamu. The pounamu comes from the Arahura river near Hokatika on the West Coast. It is a beautiful stone.

The taonga is named Hononga which means connected.
The bone on top contains an ever-expanding koru. Reminiscent of ripples on a pond.

This has several layers of meaning. In general, the koru represents the unfolding of new life, new beginnings and growth. The expanding ripples symbolise the multiplied affects a small action can have upon ourselves and the world around us.

The bottom half of this taonga is pounamu. This represents strength, stability and being grounded. With a solid foundation, many great things may be constructed upon this.

In between the bone and pounamu is an inlay of brass. Brass is conductive. As such, this represents the flow of energy from above to below and visa versa. Whilst many analogies can be drawn from this, in this case it is symbolic of the veil between the physical and spiritual dimensions of our life.

This taonga is for sale and can be purchased here:
https://bonecraft.co.nz/shop/p/hononga-connected

This Taonga is named Ka hari te hī ika which means happy fishing. The eyes are inlays of mother of pearl with a pupil of...
08/02/2026

This Taonga is named Ka hari te hī ika which means happy fishing. The eyes are inlays of mother of pearl with a pupil of buffalo horn. I’m really happy how they turned out.

“The snapper (Pagrus auratus) belongs to the sea bream family Sparidae. Māori know it as tāmure and traditionally caught large numbers. All snapper begin life as females, and then at three or four years of age about half of them change s*x. They can live a long time – the oldest recorded specimen was 63 years old”. (1)

In Japanese folklore it is the symbol of fortune and is typically used as the centrepiece in celebratory feasts. I feel fortunate to be able to eat fresh snapper!

This pair of snapper represent the social and relational connections enjoyed by nature.

1 - Department of Conservation, Reference: 10036521, by Andrew Penniket

This taonga is named Manawa Rahi Aroha which means Steadfast Love. It was a special commission that represents the whana...
06/02/2026

This taonga is named Manawa Rahi Aroha which means Steadfast Love. It was a special commission that represents the whanau for whom it was made for.

It is said that if you kiss a stingray on its head, you will get seven years of good luck. Apparently, you can do this in the Cayman Islands where they run tours to Stingray city! (Yeah, good luck with that one).

They are graceful, sleek and camouflage well. Because of its ability to hide, the stingray can be a symbol of cleverness or protection. Because it blends in with its environment, it is also a symbol of harmony and peace. Stingrays in general are quite placid, although they have a barbed tail and venom which makes for an effective defence mechanism. As such this also strengthens the symbolism of protection.

This special taonga is named Whakatika Kia Whiti which means get up and shine. The general concept is that of great prot...
05/02/2026

This special taonga is named Whakatika Kia Whiti which means get up and shine.

The general concept is that of great protection of the Kaitiaki (guardian) who leads us to healing, insight and eternal life. The guardian figure is based on the Hei Tiki. This also symbolizes humankind.

The face of the guardian has pāua inlayed eyes. They are amazing shells with many layers of shimmering hues and colours depending upon the angle they are viewed.

The Kaitiaki has a protruding tongue. This symbolises the passing down of wisdom throughout the generations. It emphasises the importance of the orator’s skill. The passing on of key or timely messages.

The strong right arm represents great strength of character. It extends towards the inlays of two garnets which are enclosed within a circle of brass. They symbolise the qualities of love and wisdom. Both are needed to navigate the intricacies of life. The one nearer the bottom of the taonga can also be seen from the back side of the carving. This is the quality of love that is the most important. Its effect shines on into eternity. I like the way that the light can shine through this gem. It gives a clue to the source of love. The external light of the Tapu Wairua.

There are five Manaia interconnected with the main Kaitiaki. At one level this shows the interdependence of all people to each other and the environment. At another level this is a personification of our five physical senses and their spiritual counterparts.

The top two Manaia extends above the guardian and are communicating to the main entity who is listening closely. Another Manaia whispers into the other ear. This symbolises the great skill of listening. One who can listen is a true treasure for those around them.

The other Manaia are part of the main Kaitiaki indicating that they are united with the Tapu Wairua. They are outward facing. This symbolises the actions that define us.

It is the function of guardian figures to remind and guide us in ways that are leading us to ultimate happiness.

Address

36 Meadowville Avenue
Christchurch
8024

Telephone

+64275190724

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