Story: Kauri gum and gum digging

Kauri gum (1st of 4)

Kauri gum

When gum is dug from the ground, it usually has an oxidised crust (right). The first step in polishing is to scrape off the crust using a knife until solid gum is revealed. This pendant has been polished on all sides – but often only one side of a piece is done, so the rough side shows through as an interesting background texture.

Using this item

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Alastair McLean

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How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Kauri gum and gum digging - Origin and early uses', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/12944/kauri-gum (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 24 Sep 2007