TU PAKARI

TU PAKARI - Stand Firm

Hand carved for us by Andrew Doughty. This is exquisite bone art - a beautifully handcrafted, thoughtful bone carving, made to be worn.

This beautiful Manaia/Matau is carved from natural stained bone with eyes inlaid in Pāua Shell and New Zealand Jade outer edge.

TU PAKARI is perfect for you if you like handcrafted, traditional art to wear, and if you appreciate the finest craftsmanship.

The artist has decorated these pieces with particular carved detail - these have meaning for the design beyond that associated with this style of Manaia. We will let Andrew do the talking...

TU PAKARI as described by Andrew below...

This Matau (fishhook) is named Tu Pakari which means to Stand Firm.

The fishhook signifies abundance, nourishment, and strength. As such it represents
peace, prosperity, and good health. A fishhook is also a symbol that represents
safe journey over water. Hence it is loved by travellers.

A manaia is emerging from the base of the taonga. The manaia, (or messenger), is
the profile of a Tiki. This is symbolic of being half in this world and half in the
spirit world. Manaia can be adapted with other symbols and stylized to
communicate different meanings. It has inlays of pounamu for the eyes. They depict
having a sparkle within the eye.

There is an inlay of some lovely transparent pounamu balancing out the carving.
This is symbolic of nourishment and strength. In times past, hooks were sometimes
decorated to attract fish.

The ocean surrounds New Zealand. On our land, there is a whole lot more water in
our freshwater lakes and rivers. Therefore, fishing was very important to the Māori.
Kai moana (fish and shellfish from the sea) played a very key role in nourishing the
people. Given the importance of the sea to Māori, it is easy to see why fishing was
a precious activity. Thus, the evolvement and development of various hooks was
prevalent within Mãori culture.

Thousands of years ago, the ancestors of Māori journeyed out of South-East Asia
and into the Pacific. They sailed in waka (canoes), and were some of the world's
greatest canoe builders, navigators and mariners. Their ability to 'see beyond' the
horizon was legendary.

As such, the Matau is also symbolic of navigating our own lives with wisdom and
insight. This is ultimately attained through spiritual development.

Included in your package is a note of the carving from the artist.

Shipping is included in the price.

We will also include our 'Kia Ora' cards, which explains the meaning behind the design.

ONE ONLY

Meaning: Abundance ~ Prosperity ~ Good Health

Artist: Andrew Doughty

Material: Bone with New Zealand Pounamu, Jade and Pāua Shell

Cord Colour: Brown

Cord Length: Adjustable

Size: 69mm (2.7") long; 39mm (1.5") wide