A stunning Pipi shell hand carved from a gorgeous piece of Kawakawa Flower Pounamu, showing beautiful rich green tones with gold Putiputi (Flower) hues, with clean edges and a satin polish on the inside and a high polish on the back. this will be a special taonga for someone with an affinity for the sea.
The Pipi- (Paphies australis) is a small native shellfish found along sandy beaches and shallow coastal waters throughout Aotearoa. Known for its smooth, pale triangular shell and its habit of burrowing just beneath the sand, the Pipi is an important traditional kai species.
Kawakawa- is the most common variety of Pounamu. It comes in many shades - from strong, rich green to dark green - and often has small dark flecks, which add to its character. Named after the leaf of the Kawakawa. It is the main type used for jewellery purposes.
Putiputi (Flower) Jade- is New Zealand’s most prized Greenstone, with pale green or ochre clouds of colour. This distinctive patterning and colouring come from the outside rim or 'rind' of the greenstone boulders or stones where the surface has oxidised.
Carved by Dean Hetherington
Size 30mm long x 43mm wide x 10mm 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.
