A beautifully carved Kokopu pounamu pendant featuring distinctive natural speckling and expressive pāua shell eyes. The stone displays soft green tones scattered with darker inclusions, giving it a unique, organic character reminiscent of river-worn stone. The carving carries a playful yet meaningful presence, with carefully shaped features that bring personality and life to the piece. Pāua shell eyes add a vibrant shimmer, catching the light and enhancing its individuality. A one of a kind taonga that blends traditional craftsmanship with a touch of charm, making it both special and memorable.
Hei Tiki- The exact meaning behind the stylized design is deeply rooted in traditional Māori pakiwaitara (stories) and has been interpreted in a few different ways. In Māori legend, Tiki was the first mortal man created by Tāne (the god of the forest), making the carving a symbol of humankind's origins and lineage.Another widely held belief is that the figure represents Hine-te-iwaiwa, the moon goddess and patroness of fertility and childbirth. Because of its shape, many also interpret the design as a stylization of the human embryo. The distinct carved head tilted to the side is believed to symbolize a newborn child or spiritual wisdom. Additionally, the figures frequently display a blend of both male (Tāne) and female (Wāhine) features, representing the balance of life's energies.
Kokopu- Greenstone from the West Coast Taramakau River area, West Coast. Comes in many colour variations from light to dark browns, creamy whites, light blues, olive greens to yellow even golden. Also known as trout-stone named after the dark brown, olive green and yellowish markings found on the three species of native freshwater trout. The spotted textures and range of colour give this stone a diverse presence.
Hand Carved by Des Heatherington
Size 80mm long x 52mm wide x 10mm thick
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.
