This is the concept design. After digesting the information that I wish to represent, the drawing then unfolds. This is the front of the carving... As is always the case, this is just a starting point and the carving will evolve as the bone and other factors dictate...

Once the design was completed, I had to find an appropriate bit of bone. In this case, I ended up shopping around several butchers to find a thick one that I was happy with....

The design is drawn onto the bone and then cut out...

I start drilling a few holes...

Gradually we remove the layers of bone to reveal the carving... this is the front...

This is the back...

Starting to take shape, although a long way to go still... (front)

Starting to take shape, although a long way to go still... (back)

Still a lot of shaping and refining the curves etc... 

This is a crucial stage where I need to make some decisions about what details are going to emerge later... Things like, what and where inlay's might be placed...

The shapes are starting to emerge and here I am beginning to sharpen the edges and corners and work on refining the curves. Beginning to take back the rough bits now so it will be nearly ready for the first sanding stage....Starting to feel more magic enter into the Taonga now... 

I have some ideas in my mind about what details and inlays may appear on the back. Again, I have to gradually remove bits and not get too carried away at this point. Once a bit of bone is removed, you can't put it back! 

Completed the first sanding of 120 grt. Started the next grade of 220 grt. Lots of elbow grease and patience for this bit. I am also seeing in my mind how some of the inlays will fit... 

Along with the sanding happening during this stage, I have been using some hand tools and blades to increase the sharp edges on some of the holes...