TĀ MOKO
In stock
NEW ARRIVAL
LEGACY SERIES - we have had a limited series of pieces carved with heritage and legacy at their heart. These are pieces that we believe will become a part of a family's history. Carved art to pass through generations building stories that will form a part of your family's history.
Kaitiaki - Guardian Māori Mask
A large and visually striking piece with a whole heap of detail and depth. TĀ MOKO is carved from a stunning piece of Waimea jade that is produced in the Southern Alpine Fault and finds its way down a smallish creek in New Zealand's Southern West Coast. We are absolutely thrilled to have a piece of this quality to offer you.
Although set up as a pendant, this really is a sculptural piece. This type of carving is often framed. So that's the opportunity if you like one of these - put it in a frame.
These pendants were carved as a way to pass information down through the generations. The specific design contained familial information and was a way to preserve and relate this to following generations.
The binding along the top edge represents hair and the etching in the front face is a Moko. The notches on each side are called 'Whakapapa Notches' and they are used to represent your ancestors - your lineage.
It is a decorative piece which is in keeping with the early use of this shape as an ornamental pendant - commonly worn by men and women.
Moko translated means tattoo - Tā moko is the art of Māori tattoo and is a traditional form of recognising and recording cultural heritage and identity. A moko records and describes an individuals whakapapa - their ancestry and personal history and increasingly are being worn today. They are a wonderful tattoo and carved design with tremendous cultural significance and importance. They have described a wearers social status, their skills and knowledge and in earlier times marriage status. They are beautiful and significant.
We have bound this piece with a Manuka Green and Black combination cord and a top ridge binding in Manuka Green. These are the colours of the stone.
Delivered with DHL Express Courier.
Meaning: Courage ~ Wisdom ~ Authority
Material: New Zealand Waimea Jade (Pounamu).
Artist: Raegan Bregmen
Cord: Manuka Green/Black Combo Cord with Manuka Green Topridge Binding
Length: Adjustable
Size: 107mm (4.2") long, 54mm (2.1") wide at bottom
