A stunning Hei Tiki adorned with paua eyes, handcrafted from whale bone ethically sourced from the Chatham Islands. Owen Mapp always achieves an incredible level of detail and intricacy, and this piece is no exception. This carving is truly special and would make an exceptional taonga to be treasured by many generations to come.
Tooth and 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 his 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 Chatham Islands.
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.
