Whale Bone

Whale Bone Carvings

Whale bone and tooth 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. Carving whale bone 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.

Our carvers use genuine whale bone ethically sourced from the Chatham Islands.