Moko Pounamu Pikorua (Twist) Toki Whale Bone Carving - Tarahaka

A wonderful Whale Bone Pikorua by Master Carver Peter Mitchell - this design has the lower part finished as a Toki with the distinctive chisel edge and the upper half carved into a beautiful flowing Pikorua twist. A marvelous taonga.

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.

Toki(Adze) – The Toki had much meaning for Maori, fashioned from stone or greenstone it was an essential tool for survival and day to day life for Maori. That is the reason Maori attribute the spiritual meaning of strength and power to the Toki. This symbol resembles determination, control, strength, focus and honour.

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.

Traditionally carved from Genuine Whale bone - Ethically sourced from the Chatham Islands.

Hand Carved by Peter Mitchell

Size 72mm long x 19mm wide x 7mm 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.