item details
NameAurei (cloak pin)
ProductionUnknown; carver; New Zealand
Classificationfasteners, pins, pectorals, aurei
Materialsbone, ivory
Techniquescarving
DimensionsOverall: 11mm (width), 145mm (length), 11mm (depth), 23.9g (weight)
Registration NumberME001780/1
Credit lineAugustus Hamilton Collection. Purchased 1914
Overview
Aurei or 'cloak pins' were used to fasten customary Maori cloaks over the shoulder. Made from marine mamal ivory, and later boar tusks, they were often embellished with fine carving and tied in bunches of several aurei clustered together.