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“The Taonga has arrived and I am absolutely in awe of its beauty, intricacy and simplicity and the typed explanation you have sent is really really meaningful. You have such incredible talent!”
“Your carving arrived today safe and sound. I am thrilled with the presentation of it and the print out of what it represents. It is a truly beautiful piece of art. I know my brother will love and cherish it. Thank you so much!”
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PLEASE NOTE: AS THIS IS WHALE BONE , THIS CARVING CAN ONLY BE COURIED TO A NEW ZEALAND ADDRESS.
Dear friend, Kia Ora
This substantial taonga is named Pā Whakawairua. This translates to expression for the mauri of a person or place. It can also mean spiritual leader.
The main basis of this taonga is the Hei Tiki. This represents humankind. This main figure possesses manaia for its arms, legs and hands. At one level, this represents protection and at another level, great strength. At another level, this could also be expressed as whanaungatanga. It shows a sense of family connection and extended relationships which when developed, provides people with a sense of belonging.
It also symbolises spiritual strength. The most precious opportunity to develop spiritually exists now. By taking the essence of this human life, we can fulfil the goal of our existence. This is our true protection. The arms are each facing outwards away from the body. This shows the willingness to help, serve and to nourish others. The hands represent our unique individual gifts. The Manaia are supporting themselves with their arms. They show that we are to take full responsibility for our choices and actions. The legs provide a firm foundation. This symbolises stability and great strength, speed and agility.
Above the main tiki’s face is an inlay of Mother of Pearl. This symbolises great wisdom and being able to ‘see’ clearly through the gift of wisdom. The mouth is open and does not contain a protruding tongue. This represents being ready to receive divine nourishment and the ability to listen. Surrounding the head is a circle. This symbolises the spiritual battle of the warrior. This is the battle for the mind. It is a battle for truth. This circle also represents the protection that only the Most High Atua can provide.
The Manaia at the bottom are the legs of the guardian. Their mouths are holding a sphere that contains an inlay of pounamu. This holds our deepest dreams and immortal treasures. The inlay on the back of this sphere is opal from Lighting Ridge (Australia).
The eyes of the tiki are pounamu while the eyes of the manaia are inlays of pāua.
Dear friend, Kia Ora
This simple set of two carvings is named as one taonga called Tūhononga. This name means connection.
They are a combination of Douglas Creek pounamu and Mother of Pearl. This pair of carvings have been made from the same stone, and the inlays are from the same shell. These taonga are designed to interlock together and form a spiral. This spiral is reminiscent of a galaxy. A galaxy spans almost inconceivable distances and gives birth to numerous stars. Associated with this is great mystery. Therefore, within this imagery is a wonderful metaphor for great love. At another level, this spiral represents the eternal movements of life and depicts the dance of two becoming one.
Individually, each taonga forms a koru. The koru symbol is common in New Zealand and is inspired by the unfurling of the new fern fronds. Meanings associated with this are new growth, new beginnings and awakening.
Dear friend, Kia Ora
This carving is named Kohu Maunga which means Mountain Mist.
The basis of this taonga is inspired by the world’s only mountain parrot, the kea. Found throughout the rugged mountains of the South Island, the kea is fiercely intelligent. In fact, kea are one of the most intelligent birds in the world. If you stop for a coffee at Authers Pass, be careful, as the local kea have been known to get one of their flock to distract you, so others can slip in unnoticed and make off with whatever their cheeky eyes find interesting.
Kea are currently an endangered species. As such, I donate 10% of each sale belonging to the kea design series of carvings to the Kea Conservation Trust.
This Taonga is bone with a pounamu eye. Pounamu is strongly associated to the habitat of the kea so is a fitting association. The eye of the kea is made from a dark variety of Douglas Creek pounamu.
The three main koru signify the unfolding of new life, new beginnings and new opportunities. The wings are reminiscent of flames. This is a nod towards the underwings of the kea with striking orange-red bloomage with black and yellow striped primary feathers. At another level flames symbolise the regeneration of the spirit.
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