A striking Kuku (claw) carving made from deep green Tangiwai. The stone displays rich dark tones with subtle natural mottling that gives the surface depth and character. Tangiwai is known for its slightly glass-like appearance and smooth polish, which allows the colour of the stone to glow softly. The claw inspired form represents strength, courage and protection. With its clean lines and natural beauty, this piece is a distinctive and meaningful taonga.
Kuru/Drop - Drop pendants are regarded as touch stones for meditation and representing a connection to the whenua (the land) Aotearoa (New Zealand). The Kuru design is a simple slender length of pounamu worn to encourage knowledge, confidence and independence.
Tangiwai
is the most ancient form of pounamu. It is bowenite rock, which is different in composition to the more common nephrite. A translucent to transparent olive green to bluish-green variety of serpentine most Tangiwai is sourced from two isolated areas at Piopiotahi (Milford Sound), Poison Bay and Anita Bay and deposits found in Nelson. Tangiwai takes its name from the tears that come from great sorrow. Tangi means "to cry" and Wai means "water", or "tears". Koko-Tangiwai, the longer name for this stone, refers to a deep sorrow that is never completely healed. There are many sad stories that tell of Tangiwai pounamu's origins.
Hand Carved by Marshall Johnson
Size 45mm long x 40mm wide x 6mm 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.
