This distinctive pendant, hand-carved from ethically sourced cattle bone, is inspired by the Opihi Taniwha, one of New Zealand's oldest and most significant Maori rock drawings from the South Island. It features two oval paua shell inlays for eyes and a smooth, polished finish. Measuring 85mm long and 28mm high, this pendant offers a bold yet balanced statement piece.
In Maori tradition, Taniwha are powerful, dragon-like supernatural beings, revered as kaitiaki (protective guardians) embodying strength and a deep connection to the land. The Opihi Taniwha, a significant and abstract black design, is a national icon featured on New Zealand postage stamps, symbolizing Maori cultural resilience. This pendant reinterprets the Opihi Taniwha's powerful head into the iconic Pekapeka, a revered Maori design representing the native bat. Bats are considered guardians, offering spiritual protection and insight into hidden realms due to their ability to navigate unseen. By merging the Opihi Taniwha with the Pekapeka, this pendant creates a unique amulet representing guardianship and ancestral strength.
Learn more about the Opihi Taniwha: CLICK HERE
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