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Kōrero: Kauri gum and gum digging

Kauri gum curio

Image
Kauri gum curio

A spider has been embedded in some kauri gum to make this novelty. By melting gum and pouring it into moulds, gum diggers could enclose insects and other items such as photos. Sitting in their isolated huts, some diggers progressed from scraping gum to carving it and making curios by the light of candles or kerosene. Naturally trapped plants, insects and small animals were also occasionally found in pieces of gum.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

The Kauri Museum, Matakohe

Permission must be obtained from The Kauri Museum before this image is stored, reproduced, or altered in any form for any purpose.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Carl Walrond, Kauri gum and gum digging – Origin and early uses, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/12946/kauri-gum-curio (accessed 4 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Carl Walrond, i tāngia i te 1 March 2009.