Feather Wrapped Fledgling captures a young tūī nestled within a protective wrap of feathers, its head tilted upwards and its small beak reaching skyward. Carved from whale tooth, the piece features overlapping feathers with finely incised lines and smooth, raised quills that sweep around the body. Warm ivory and honey tones highlight the layered carving, giving the fledgling a soft, lifelike presence.
Dark horn surrounds the 18ct gold eyes, creating a striking contrast and bringing a bright, alert expression to the young bird. Still tucked into its nest, the fledgling evokes tenderness, shelter and the promise of new life. This intimate sculptural piece offers intricate detail to admire from every angle—a special addition to a collection or a thoughtful gift for a lover of New Zealand birdlife.
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.
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 strandings 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.
