This is a stunning carving of a Waka Prow handcrafted from an exquisite piece of Kawakawa Pounamu. A wonderful example of the talent and skills of our amazing team of carvers. Set in a gorgeous piece of water worn Inanga Pounamu.
Waka Prow
– Once the waka was finished and ready to decorate, elaborately carved decorative pieces call Tauihu (prow carvings) and the Taurapa (sternpost) were attached to the ihu (bow) and the Kei (stern) of the waka.
Sculpture - 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.
Base - Inanga- Pounamu takes its name from a freshwater fish native to New Zealand. It is pale and often transparent, like the young of the Inanga fish. It is pearly white to grey green in colour, and ranges from translucent to quite opaque. It can change colour over time, developing a light olive tint as it ages and oxidises - Highly prized by the Māori and the desired material for making Mere and Patu.
Carved by Ross Crump
Size Sculpture - 140mm long x 40mm wide
Base - 160mm long x 110 wide x 60mm 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.
