This charming little Cuttlefish pendant, measuring 25mm x 10mm, is hand-carved from genuine whale bone, finished in soft, creamy tones with fine stippled texture detailing across its rounded body. Two black inlaid eyes give it lively, lifelike character, while delicate linework along the head and tail captures the cuttlefish’s distinctive form in miniature. A lesser-seen but delightful subject in bone carving, this piece reflects the rich variety of sea life connected to Tangaroa, god of the sea, and the Māori relationship with the ocean’s bounty. Hung on an adjustable braided cord, this one-of-a-kind little taonga is a fun, tactile piece to wear every day.
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 25mm long by 10mm 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.
