This is a gorgeous carving of a baby Kokako Manu (bird) flowing into a curling feather and is exquisitely handcrafted from an impressive Whale Tooth. The eyes are carved from Goat Horn and Sterling Silver are set into the tooth. An exceptional piece from a very talented artist.
Rei Puta
are chiefly taonga traditionally carved from the teeth of Tohorā (whale). Rei Niho carved from pounamu maintains the beauty of the traditional form, symbolising the intimate connection between Maori and Tohorā.
The kōkako belongs to the endemic New Zealand wattlebirds, an ancient family of birds which includes the North and South Island saddleback and the extinct huia.
Tooth and Bone has always been a special medium for Māori artists, Whales are considered a taonga species, and represent abundance, richness and were regarded as chiefly animals.
Some tribes see whales as the descendants of Tangaroa, the god of the ocean and stranding’s are seen as gifts from Tangaroa and carving them is a way of honouring that gift. Whales possess a tapu (sacred) significance to Māori as both supernatural beings and as harbingers of personal change and spiritual growth. Tooth consists almost entirely of dentine.
Genuine Whale Tooth - Ethically sourced from the Kapiti Island.
This will be the exact piece you will receive in the photos, there may be a slight degree of colour variation based on different computer or device screen resolutions that you are viewing from.
