A stunning Wahaika handcrafted from a fabulous piece of South Westland Totoweka Pounamu. A wonderful sculpture to treasure for generations to come. This epic piece comes displayed on a handmade wrought iron stand. This carving will be a fantastic taonga for a 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.
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 Des Hetherington
Sculpture Size 381mm long x 98mm wide x 26mm thick
Base Size 401mm long x 111mm wide x 122mm high
Total height 170mm
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.
