A gorgeous Wahaika handcrafted from an incredible piece of South Westland Totoweka Pounamu. Carved into the handle of this phenomenal piece is a wonderful Manaia giving extra protection. The cord (tau or patui) on this piece is made from hand plaited waxed cord, a sculpture to treasure for generations to come. This epic piece comes displayed on a stunning piece of water worn Kawakawa Pounamu with a Totoweka Pounamu support. This carving will be a fantastic taonga for loved and respected whanau.
Wahaika -(roughly translated "the mouth of the fish") Wahaika is one of the many forms of fighting club used by Maori warriors and was reserved for only the highest ranking and most respected fighters. It is often given as a ceremonial piece on special occasions. The carved figure on the edge represented a sacred ancestor or the god of war. The Wahaika was held so that the figure faced the warrior and looked over his shoulder to protect his back. The Maori people being fierce warriors used a wide range of hand weapons.
Manaia
is a mythological creature in Māori culture and is a common motif in Māori carving and jewellery. The Manaia is usually depicted as having the head of a bird and the tail of a fish and the body of a man, though it is sometimes depicted as a bird, a serpent, or a human figure in profile. The Manaia is traditionally believed to be the messenger between the earthly world of mortals and the domain of the spirits, and its symbol is used as a guardian against evil.
Sculpture -
Totoweka- This stone is usually like the mid green Kawakawa variety but differs in that the spotting or streaks are red like blood. It is rare to find Totoweka in the Westland jade fields, but when a piece is discovered, it is highly cherished and sometimes becomes the show piece of the fossicker’s collection. Large deposits of Totoweka occur in the South Westland area. The name comes from toto (blood), weka (Native bush hen) or weka blood. The red iron oxide inclusions were likened to the colour of blood of the Weka. Authentically sourced from Hokiauau/Big Bay South Westland
Hand crafted by Kaleb Schad
Sculpture Size 267mm long x 94mm wide x 23mm thick
Base Size 190mm long x 68mm wide x 79mm high
Total height 127mm
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.
