A beautiful Whale Bone Pikorua Whale tail by master bone carver Peter Mitchell.
Pikorua/Twist, The Māori single twist or Pikorua resembles two intertwined pikopiko ferns. Representing the paths of ‘life and love’ or ‘friendship or eternity’. Because the Pikorua stands for infinite partnership, it makes it a perfect gift for lovers, newlyweds, fiancées, or others who want to emphasise their connection, their love for each other, their loyalty and friendship.
Whale- Muri Paraoa - meaning speed and strength. The Whale Tail represents the support often shown by dolphins and whales to humans in distress, therefore a symbol of protection. It expresses the respect for the sea and nature thus a symbol of good luck, providing safe passage over water. The Whale was the most important animal in the life of the Maori. Besides speed and strength, it also represents success, confidence, sensitivity, and the bond between animal and human.
Whale 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.
Traditionally carved from Genuine Whale bone - Ethically sourced from the Chatham Islands.
Hand Carved by Peter Mitchell
Size 37mm long x 45mm wide
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.
