Carved Taiaha Upoko (head) with Pounamu Arero (tongue) Taonga

This beautiful and impressive unique taonga has a lashed native Matai top (handle??), attached to a paraoa bone wheku with a kawakawa pounamu arero (tongue)

The wheku has paua eyes.

The matai top is 45mm long with a diameter of 20mm capped with paua.

The paraoa bone wheku is 65mmL x 45mmW x approx. 20mm thick

The kawakawa pounamu arero is 80mm L x 35mmW (tapering down to the tip) x approx 12mm thick (tapering down to the tip)

Overall length is 190mm

Black plaited 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.