Tōhora Kōhatu – Pākēho
$320.00
Carved from dark grey ōnewa (basalt) sourced from the Banks Peninsula area, this 100mm taonga follows the natural shape of the stone to form a striking mako-inspired design. A pāua eye has been set into the head, with the snout pointing downward and a fin emerging from the side of the piece. The stone has a deep, powerful presence and is suspended on a black cord with a three-hole ringbolt lashing. Basalt was traditionally used by Māori to create tools and weapons due to its strength and fine grain.
In stock
Description
This taonga is carved from Pākēho, a fine-grained limestone that has historically been used in Aotearoa to make practical tools, including fishing lures. Working with a natural pebble of this stone, the shape gradually revealed the form of a tōhora — a whale — one of the great travellers of the ocean and a powerful symbol of knowledge, memory, and connection to the moana.
Rather than carving a literal whale form, the shape remains symbolic and suggestive. The flowing curves hint at the head and body of the whale while still honouring the natural form of the stone. A pāua shell eye has been set into the surface, catching the light and giving the taonga a sense of presence and life.
The taonga measures 80mm wide and is suspended with a five-hole ring bolt lashing in tan cord. The cord sits across the top of the stone and rests across the chest in a way that echoes the form of a kōuma breastplate. The limestone itself is a soft off-white colour with darker speckled inclusions throughout the surface. These natural markings give the stone a striking appearance that almost resembles bone, which pairs beautifully with the shifting colours of the pāua shell.
This is a unique kōhatu taonga shaped by the natural form of the pebble and the story it revealed during carving.
Size: 80mm wide
Material: Pakeho/Limestone
Location: Kaikoura
Carver: Campbell Potter
Additional information
| Weight | 0.2 g |
|---|
