A stunning Breastplate, hand carved from a beautiful piece of Whale Bone, this a very special taonga that will be passed through many generations and treasured by those who have the honour of being its caretaker.
Kouma/Breastplate- signifies strength and protection in battle. Today they still hold this symbolism but more as a representative scale.
Whale 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 stranding’s are seen as gifts from Tangaroa and carving them is a way of honouring that gift. Whales possess a tapu (sacred) significance to Māori as both supernatural beings and as harbingers of personal change and spiritual growth.
Traditionally carved from Genuine Whale bone - Ethically sourced from the Chatham Islands.
Hand Carved by Conrad Henderson
Size 46mm long x 94mm wide
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.
