This hand-carved Maori Heru (hair comb) is crafted from natural cattle bone and features the iconic Silver Fern (Rauponga) motif. A traditional symbol of mana, resilience, and national identity, this functional taonga is designed to secure the hair while serving as a prestigious cultural statement.
The Silver Fern, or Kōrau, is a cornerstone of Maori visual culture, representing the strength and resilience required to thrive in the forest undergrowth. Carved from high-density cattle bone, this Heru honors the tradition of the tikitiki (top-knot), where such combs were once exclusively worn by high-ranking individuals to signal their status. The fern motif specifically evokes the spirit of Aotearoa (New Zealand), symbolizing the ability to bend but not break. Over time, the porous bone will interact with the wearer, maturing into a rich, honey-gold heirloom that records the personal history of its owner.
Exclusive to Toa Bone.
Copyright (C) Toa Bone. All rights reserved.
