New Zealand Carved Bone Pendants - Eternal Twist

New Zealand Carved Bone Pendants – Eternal Twist

Bone carving is a customary and often sacred craft practiced by the New Zealand Maori people. Pendants, jewelry and various tools such as needles, spear tips and fish hooks, made from bone, developed into an art form with great importance being placed on every piece. Traditionally, whale bone was carved laboriously using stone tools, and was only second to Greenstone (pounamu) or jade as the most desirable carving material. Today, cow bone is most often used with whale bone (from whales that have been washed up on shore) only being used for very culturally important pieces.

Cleaned cow bone provides the most accessible material for bone carvers. It has a uniform white finish, much like ivory, little grain and holds detail readily. Bone carvings have a special feel about them with their milky white appearance and soft flowing lines. They are soft and warm to touch, with a finish like polished glass. When worn against the skin, the bone absorbs oils and over time, will change colour to a very light honey gold. Maori believe that the carving becomes a part of you, taking on some of your spirituality or essence.

Each piece is hand carved from cow bone, in Wellington, New Zealand and includes waxed braid that is left untied so that you can fasten it at your preferred length.

Eternal Twist - NEW

The Twist is regarded as the original eternity symbol and shows the joining together of two people for eternity. Even though they sometimes move away from each other on their own journeys, they will always come together again and the strength of friendship, loyalty and love will last forever. Comes with a complimentary velvet pouch. Measures approx. 39mm (1.5 inches) long.