This beautifully crafted Breast Plate pendant combines genuine whale bone with an inset pounamu disc, creating a striking contrast between the warm, creamy tones of the bone and the deep, glowing green of the greenstone at its centre. The crescent-shaped bone is finely detailed with traditional surface carving along one edge, including delicate koru and spiral motifs, while the smooth, polished pounamu circle sits like a window of colour within the natural material. This combination brings together two of Aotearoa’s most treasured materials, symbolising the connection between land and sea, and the enduring relationship between people, nature, and taonga. Hung on an adjustable cord, this piece is a unique and meaningful statement taonga.
Koru- The Māori word for bright or loop. It refers to the shoots of the silver fern. The circular movement to the inner core refers to "going back to the beginnings". The unfurling frond itself is symbolic for new life, new beginnings, hope, personal growth, purity nurturing, a new phase in life, the spirit of rejuvenation and peace.
Unaunahi- a pattern in te ao Māori, characterised by repeating crescent shapes or fish scales, signifies abundance, prosperity and health, particularly in relation to the ocean and its resources. It represents the connection between Māori and the sea, their reliance on it for sustenance, and their spiritual connection to Tangaroa, the god of the sea.
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.
Genuine Whale bone - Ethically sourced from the Chatham Islands.
Hand Carved by Fumio Noguchi
Size 50mm long x 77mm wide x 7mm thickness
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.
