An incredible dancing Te Whai Rahi (Manta Ray) handcrafted from a deep green and gold piece of Marsden Flower Pounamu. “Manta ray dancing” conjures visions of underwater ballets, performed by these graceful giants. During courtship, males glide in mesmerising formation behind a chosen female, weaving a “manta train” through the blue—a silent, swirling contest of stamina, where only the most resolute suitor remains. When feeding, mantas pirouette and somersault with exquisite agility, turning beneath the waves in an elegant choreography designed to draw in clouds of plankton. Each twirl and sweep serves both beauty and purpose, blending survival with the poetry of motion beneath the sea.
This is a stunning example of skill from carver Kerry Thompson, which displays the qualities of the beautiful dark greenstone as well as the care of design from the carver, with a satin finish across the piece and displayed on a native wood post etched with Kowhaiwhai patterns. This will be a treasured taonga
Te Whai Rahi - Manta 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.
Marsden Putiputi (Flower)
Pounamu from the Marsden, West Coast area. The centre of this stone is a highly translucent, light-ish green shade, free from dark spots and other flaws. One of the rarest varieties, held in high esteem by the Māori. The most prized Greenstone in New Zealand is Flower Jade, 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.
Hand Carved by Kerry Thompson
Size 332mm long x 127mm wide 12mm thick
Base 100mm x 100mm x 330mm high
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.
