Moko Pounamu Single Pikorua (Twist) Whale Bone Carving - Tuhua

A small and beautiful Whale Bone Single Pikorua (Twist) with an inset of Paua Shell.

Pikorua /Twist, The Māori single twist or Pikorua resembles two intertwined pikopiko ferns. Representing the paths of ‘life and love’ or ‘friendship or eternity’. Because the Pikorua stands for infinite partnership, it makes it a perfect gift for lovers, newlyweds, fiancées, or others who want to emphasise their connection, their love for each other, their loyalty and friendship.

Whale 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 stranding’s 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.

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.

Genuine Whale bone - Ethically sourced from the Chatham Islands.

Hand Carved by Malcolm Hooper.

Size 34mm long x 19mm 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.