Greenstone carving : techniques and concepts in pounamu / Len Gale ; [photographs by Owen Howard].

"First published 1997 by Reed Publishing (NZ)"--Title page verso.

Includes bibliographical references.

Introduction -- Ancient legend becomes reality (Taking up the challenge) -- Elements of design (Linking material and method) -- Essential tools and techniques (Saws, sawblades and sawing ; Drop saw ; Slabbing saw ; Trim saw ; Point carvers ; Cutters ; Polishing ; Surface finish ; Abrasives ; Grain size ; Bond)

Safety -- Making basic holes -- Making a disc -- Toki -- Hei tiki (groove type) -- Paua inserts -- Hei tiki (hole type) -- Pekapeka -- Mere and patu -- Hei matau -- Other styles -- Care, protection and wearing of pounamu -- Commission work -- Glossary.

"This concise guide to the art of greenstone carving, out of print for the past 20 years, returns in a smartly designed, fully illustrated new edition. Greenstone Carving takes readers from the origins of pounamu/greenstone through the basics of the artform - design, tools and techniques, different stone types and potential projects. Len Gale draws on his background as a craftsman and teacher explain popular Maori designs like hei tiki, toki, pekapeka, mere and patu. The text is accompanied by detailed drawings and photos, including images of superb finished works from the Moko Pounamu studio, Otautahi/Christchurch."--Provided by publisher.