Moko Pounamu 'Ocean Currents' Genuine Whale Bone Carving - Muriwai

Carved by Owen Mapp, Ocean Currents is a striking whale bone breast plate with a broad, gently curved silhouette. Deeply carved spirals flow across its surface, joined by sweeping grooves that evoke the movement of ocean currents. Warm ivory tones and subtle natural markings highlight the intricate pattern, giving the piece texture and depth.

Manaia guardians frame the design on either side, their dark horn eyes creating a bold contrast against the pale whale bone. Representing guardians protecting the ocean, they bring a watchful presence to the swirling composition. Suspended from a black cord attached at each upper corner, this distinctive breast plate makes an expressive piece to wear or display.

Kowhaiwhai- The Kowhaiwhai is a traditional Māori pattern that is used in whakairo (carving) and art, as well as being decorative, Kowhaiwhai patterns also help to tell a story. Kowhaiwhai in whare tipuna (meeting houses) are specially designed for the iwi (tribe) the house belongs to. It tells stories about their history. Kowhaiwhai are painted on the rafters or the tahuhu (ridgepole) of the house stretching the length of the building. The Kowhaiwhai painted on the ridgepole represents the whakapapa (genealogy) of the iwi (tribe). Nature is often the inspiration for these beautiful and stunning patterns.

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.

Genuine Whale bone - Ethically sourced from the Kapiti Island.

Size 57mm long x 110mm 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.