This incredible Kouma (Breastplate) Whale Tail Peka Peka is hand carved from Whale Bone with gorgeous Paua eyes watching over you. The mastery of this carver must be seen to be believed and is unmatched. really stunning.
Kouma/Breastplate - signifies strength and protection in battle. Today they still hold this symbolism but more as a representative scale.
Peka Peka
is a very old Māori Design representing a Native NZ bat, it is often classed as a Manaia, which are 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.
Whale- Muri Paraoa - meaning speed and strength. The Whale Tail represents the support often shown by dolphins and whales to humans in distress, therefore a symbol of protection. It expresses the respect for the sea and nature thus a symbol of good luck, providing safe passage over water. The Whale was the most important animal in the life of the Maori. Besides speed and strength, it also represents success, confidence, sensitivity, and the bond between animal and human.
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.
Genuine Whale bone - Ethically sourced from the Kapiti Island.
Carved by Owen Mapp CNZM
Size 82mm long x 193mm wide x 7mm thick
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.
