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Story: Southland region

Moa-bone necklace

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Moa-bone necklace

This necklace is fashioned from moa bones, which have been made to resemble whales’ teeth. It dates from the early settlement of the region by Murihiku Māori, when moa were prolific.

Using this item

Southland Museum and Art Gallery

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

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How to cite this page

David Grant, Southland region – Early settlement, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/object/20099/moa-bone-necklace (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by David Grant, published 2 March 2009, updated 1 May 2015.

Comments

CJMcKenzie
19 February 2011
This is known as the Fortrose necklace, isn't it?