This 67mm x 40mm Maori Wheku pendant is hand-carved from natural cattle bone and features fierce warrior features with iridescent Paua shell eyes. It represents a revered ancestor (Tipuna), serving as a spiritual guardian and a physical link to one's genealogical lineage.
The Wheku, meaning "carved face," is a powerful symbol of ancestral presence in Maori culture. Traditionally placed at the apex of the Wharenui (meeting house) gable, the Wheku marks the building as the physical embodiment of a specific ancestor. This pendant captures that architectural authority, featuring a defiant protruding tongue (whatero) and intimidating facial tattoos to ward off malevolent spirits. Carved from high-density cattle bone, the piece acts as a protective sentinel. The Paua shell inlays provide the "living eyes" of the Tipuna, ensuring that the wisdom and protection of the past remain ever-watchful over the wearer.
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