Moko Pounamu Mauri Stone With Whai Genuine Inanga Greenstone - Urenui

Carved by Marshall Johnston from rare inanga pounamu, this piece captures the quiet grace of the whai (stingray) gliding through the water. The stingray’s form rises gently from the surface of a smooth, river-worn shape, its curved tail sweeping around the edge of the stone. Inanga is prized for its soft, pale blue green colouring, and this piece shows it beautifully, with a delicate rippled shimmer moving through the stone and fine rust-toned markings that trace across it like driftwood lines on sand.

Smooth and rounded, it sits comfortably in the hand and invites you to hold it, turn it and discover its detail in changing light. Equally at home on a desk, a shelf or in a treasured collection, it’s a meaningful taonga for anyone with a love of the ocean, and a beautiful example of Marshall’s ability to let the stone guide the carving.

Te Whai Repo- Sting Ray is respected as a powerful protector of the deep. Its unusual shape and the way it seems to glide out of the blackness gives it a very spiritual power, which it is in some areas believed to allow it to move between the mortal and spiritual realms at will. In certain areas of Aotearoa New Zealand, the Whai is believed to be Kaitiaki – Protector. They are often seen gliding effortlessly through the water at the beach, yet when they are startled or threatened their response can be quick, powerful. It represents freedom, beauty and elegance, and is a strong symbol of protection.

Inanga- Pounamu takes its name from a freshwater fish native to New Zealand. It is pale and often transparent, like the young of the Inanga fish. It is pearly white to grey green in colour, and ranges from translucent to quite opaque. It can change colour over time, developing a light olive tint as it ages and oxidises - Highly prized by the Māori and the desired material for making Mere and Patu.

Carved by Marshall Johnston

Size is 90mm long x 50 wide x 12mm 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.