This large Niho Paraoa taonga has been carved from the bone of a beached and stranded whale on the New Zealand coastline, many, many years ago.

The front of the Niho has been polished, and the back, although polished, still holds the rounded shape and age of the bone.

The taonga has been lashed and sealed at the top and has a brown plaited cord with a bone toggle fastening.

105mm long x 45mm wide at the top

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.