Moko Pounamu "The Huia's Last Meal" Genuine Whale Bone - Arohirohi

Carved by Owen Mapp, The Huia’s Last Meal captures a huia holding a vivid red morsel between its long, curved beak. Fine feather markings cover the rounded head, with warm brown pigment bringing definition to the delicate surface detail. An orange-toned wattle adds colour beneath the eye, while the smooth ivory beak creates a striking contrast with the textured plumage.

The 18ct gold eyes give the bird a bright, focused expression, lending life to this intimate moment. Created in memory of the huia, this whale bone carving offers a poignant tribute through its carefully observed form and expressive detail. Both a sculptural artwork and a piece of remembrance, it makes a meaningful addition to a collection celebrating New Zealand birdlife.

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 strandings 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.

Genuine Whale bone - Ethically sourced from the Kapiti Island.

Carved by Owen Mapp CNZM

Size 130mm long x 50mm wide x 30mm 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.