In New Zealand carving is still practiced widely.
Each carving tells a story. They come with a detailed description of its meaning and symbolism. There are many layers of meaning to be discovered within each taonga. Carvings are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and each piece is registered in my database of work.
Ngāi Tahu Registered Artisan
I’m a registered artisan with Ngāi Tahu. As such, I am licensed purchase and manufacture official Ngāi Tahu Pounamu. It is a great privilege to be able to work with this medium.
The main materials used to create these carvings is beef bone. The shin, (or cannon) bone is the part I use. There are a variety of other materials used as well. For example, I often use pāua shell (known as abalone in other countries) and buffalo horn for eyes.
I also use other materials such as whale bone, tooth and other ethically sourced materials. Like many other carvers, I support the CITES International Treaty – 1973, protecting wildlife against over-exploitation, and preventing international trade from threatening various species.
This includes the protection for whales. As such, I do not generally sell carvings in materials taken from whale and never from other protected species (such as elephant ivory).
Occasionally I am given some whale bone to work with by mana whenua (power associated with possession, territorial rights and occupation of tribal land), which has been legitimately sourced from naturally occurring events and in line with traditional protocol. (i.e. not hunted).