Carved Paraoa Bone Wheku with Pounamu Tongue

The bone carving is 90mmL x 60mmW x 15mm thick (slightly rounded at the back)

The dark kawakawa pounamu tongue is 50mm long x 35mm wide x 1mm thick, tapering down to the tip of the tongue.

Overall length is 140mm.

Paua eyes and beige slip knot cord.

Kerama is a semi-retired carver, now living a simple and idyllic life on the East Coast of New Zealand, where he continues to carve beautiful taonga using the natural and ethically gained resources available to him in his little place of paradise. He interprets traditional Maori themes and imagery, carving wood, bone and pounamu into beautiful forms that delight the eye and invite the touch.

Kereama has carved many exquisite pieces from 3500 year-old whalebone; the oldest non-fossil bone ever carbon-dated in New Zealand.