Moko Pounamu Koropepe NZ Genuine Kahurangi Greenstone - Wharepapa
An exquisite handcrafted Koropepe from an incredible piece of Kahurangi Pounamu. This is a magnificent carving, the definition of the features like the red wax and Paua shell eyes ensure that they stand out and are noticed. A simple design but so powerful and will be a generational taonga. This piece could also be worn.
Koropepe is a mythical being in the shape of an eel, (an important food source for pre-European Maori).It also represents that of a grandfather and has a spiritual meaning of guardianship and warding off evil. The Koru, the curling part of this carving, represents an unfurling new fern shoot, new beginnings, hope, personal growth, purity nurturing, a new phase in life, the spirit of rejuvenation and peace, that of a new Mokopuna (grandchild).Together they form a strong spiritual force for good.
Kahurangi - Genuine West Coast Greenstone from the Marsden, West Coast area. Kahurangi is the rarest variety of pounamu. It is highly translucent and often comes in vivid shades of green. Small, feather-like markings in the stone can give a cloud effect – although to be classed as Kahurangi, this effect must not reduce the stone’s clarity. The word Kahurangi also indicates nobility and refers to precious jewels and held in high esteem by Māori.
Paua Shell – Abalone, our Paua shell is rich and deep in iridescent colours unique to New Zealand. Found all around the rocky shoreline coast but grows best in southern waters. Paua shell has been traditionally used by Maori to illuminate the eyes & features of carvings and artwork. While Paua sits within the abalone family, which is found in other parts of the world, namely, South America, Australia, Western North America, and Japan, our Paua's hidden, bright multi-coloured interior shell is only found in New Zealand.
Hand Carved by Des Hetherington
Size 100mm long x 98mm wide x 10mm thick
Base 141mm wide x 130mm deep x 40mm high
Total height 135mm
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.
