This striking Breast Plate pendant is hand-carved from genuine whale bone, showing warm, natural tones ranging from soft cream through to mottled amber brown patterning across the upper surface. Shaped as a bold, fan like crescent, the piece features a Double Koru design at its centre, where two spirals curl inward to meet, bordered by fine traditional surface carving. The Double Koru represents the joining of two paths or lives, symbolising new beginnings, growth, and enduring connection. Hung on an adjustable braided cord, this one-of-a-kind taonga brings together bold form and natural bone character for a striking, meaningful piece to wear.
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 30mm long x 60mm wide x 6mm 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.
