This beautifully detailed Pilot Whale pendant is hand-carved from genuine whale bone, capturing the sleek, rounded form of the whale in warm, creamy tones with subtle grey-brown mottling across its body. Fine, textured carving traces the natural ridges along its back, while a small black inlaid eye brings a lifelike character to the piece. The pilot whale is a creature of deep significance in Māori culture, closely associated with Tangaroa, god of the sea, and representing the strong, enduring bond between people and the ocean. Finished with a tail fin extended in gentle motion, this sculptural pendant celebrates the natural beauty and craftsmanship of bone carving. Hung on an adjustable braided cord, this piece is a striking and meaningful taonga.
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 63mm long by 18mm 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.
