Beautiful carved bone pendant with traditional koru design. Made in New Zealand.
Hei Koru
Hei Koru is inspired by a traditional Maori design and represents the fern frond as it opens bringing new life and purity to the world. It heralds new beginnings of peace, tranquillity, growth and harmony for its wearer.
Pendant comes with a complimentary velvet pouch. Measures approx. 3.5cm (1¼ inches) in diameter and includes waxed braid that is left untied so that you can fasten it at your preferred length. Hand carved from cow bone, in Wellington, New Zealand.
About New Zealand Bone Carving
Bone carving is a customary and often sacred craft practiced by the New Zealand Maori people. Pendants, jewellery 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.