{"title":"Whale Bone Carvings","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhale Bone carvings including Maori weapons, taonga, traditional adornments, and contemporary jewellery. \u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"whalebone-hei-tiki","title":"Whale Bone Hei Tiki","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhale Bone hand carved in New Zealand\u003cbr\u003e(This piece cannot be exported)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e84mm x 48mm x 12mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn a waxed plaited nylon cord  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdjustable length\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Tiki:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo Maori the Tiki was a revered taonga, but the origins of the Tiki are obscure. To some the Tiki is the first man created by Tane. Hei Tiki is said to have held a wealth of knowledge and a great teacher of all things and the wearer would possess similar qualities. In some areas the Tiki would be buried with the guardian and later retrieved by the family and gifted to a family member holding many memories for years to come. It is also believed by some to be a good luck charm and is also regarded as a fertility symbol.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"silverferngallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42557581295838,"sku":"B134","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/0486\/9854\/files\/IMG_2294_8bce40dd-fa9d-45b8-ba48-265df5fd48ba.jpg?v=1747361319"},{"product_id":"hand-carved-wahaika-by-alex-sands-27-5cm","title":"Hand Carved Whale Bone Wahaika - by Alex Sands - 27.5cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eCarved Whale Bone Wahaika\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHandcarved by \u003ca title=\"Alex Sands carver profile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.silverferngallery.co.nz\/pages\/alex-sands-carver\"\u003eAlex Sands\u003c\/a\u003e of Ngunguru Iwi\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWahaika (short club).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe figure represented on the front of the wahaika is Tu - God of War.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e27.5cm x 10cm x 1.8cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGenuine whale bone - this particular piece cannot be exported due to cities protocols\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cb\u003eWahaika\u003c\/b\u003e is a type of traditional Maori hand weapon. Wahaika are club-like weapons usually made of wood, whalebone or pounamu and are used for thrusting and striking in close-quarter, hand to hand fighting. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eWahaika\u003c\/i\u003e translates to \"mouth of the fish\", in reference to the notch on one side which is used to catch an opponent's weapon. On the other side just above the handle the concave tip above a carved humanoid figure is the primary striking edge, particularly used against the opponent's temples, face, and ribs. The rest of the spherical edge is sharp like a blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to being a fighting weapon, rangatira would hold wahaika during ceremonies and speeches, especially if they wanted people to pay attention to something important. Special wahaika would only be given to people with considerable ranking in the Maori tribal structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"silverferngallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42564329865438,"sku":"AS","price":6600.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/0486\/9854\/files\/IMG_5181.jpg?v=1724385821"},{"product_id":"whale-bone-hei-matau-by-alex-sands","title":"Whale Bone Hei Matau - by Alex Sands","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhale Bone \u003cbr\u003eBy \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.silverferngallery.co.nz\/pages\/alex-sands-carver\" title=\"Alex Sands carver profile\"\u003eAlex Sands \u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e(This piece cannot be shipped overseas)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn a waxed nylon cord.  Adjustable length.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRepresents strength and good health, good luck and abundance, and gives protection for people travelling over water. Hei Matau are considered to be a good luck charm for anyone with an affinity with the sea.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e6.5cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHei Matau origins:  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Hei Matau (fish hook) finds its origins in Maori legend - the North Island of New Zealand was once a huge fish that was caught by the great mariner, Maui, using only a woven line and a hook made from the jawbone of his grandmother. The fish hook denotes the importance of fishing to the Maori and their strong relationship to Tangaroa, the god of the sea. Originally a hook used to catch fish, it slowly became ornamental, particularly when Maori began trading with Europeans.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"silverferngallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42636251005150,"sku":"B117-AS","price":485.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/0486\/9854\/files\/IMG_3733_74644d1e-1747-41db-b327-e72c33974e97.jpg?v=1731100484"},{"product_id":"whale-bone-hei-matau","title":"Whale Bone Hei Matau","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhale bone pendant\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn a waxed nylon cord \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdjustable length\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRepresents strength and good health, good luck and abundance, and gives protection for people travelling over water. Hei Matau are considered to be a good luck charm for anyone with an affinity with the sea.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e43mm x 29mm x 3mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHei Matau origins:  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Hei Matau (fish hook) finds its origins in Maori legend - the North Island of New Zealand was once a huge fish that was caught by the great mariner, Maui, using only a woven line and a hook made from the jawbone of his grandmother. The fish hook denotes the importance of fishing to the Maori and their strong relationship to Tangaroa, the god of the sea. Originally a hook used to catch fish, it slowly became ornamental, particularly when Maori began trading with Europeans.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"silverferngallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42636265226462,"sku":"B132","price":265.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/0486\/9854\/files\/IMG_2301.jpg?v=1747359497"},{"product_id":"whalebone-whale-pendant-by-alex-sands","title":"Whale Bone Whale Pendant by Alex Sands","description":"Hand carved by \u003ca title=\"Alex Sands carver profile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.silverferngallery.co.nz\/pages\/alex-sands-carver\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.silverferngallery.co.nz\/pages\/alex-sands-carver\"\u003eAlex Sands\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cbr\u003eWhale Bone\u003cbr\u003e(This piece cannot be exported)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e8cm x 5.3cm x 1.5cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn a waxed plaited nylon cord.  Adjustable length.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"text-center\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA freeform pendant representing a sperm whale.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhales in Maori Culture:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhales are considered a taonga species,representing abundance and richness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e They were regarded as chiefly animals. Early Māori welcomed stranded whales as a gift from Tangaroa (God of the Sea) utilising the flesh, oil and bones for a range of uses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn general, whales are often associated with intelligence, communication and emotions. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn many indigenous cultures today, whales are revered as sacred beings that possess great wisdom and are believed to offer protection and guidance. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"silverferngallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44812566692062,"sku":"B120-AS","price":1450.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/0486\/9854\/files\/IMG_3743.jpg?v=1731100144"},{"product_id":"whalebone-manaia-by-alex-sands","title":"Whale Bone Manaia 7cm by Alex Sands","description":"Hand carved by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.silverferngallery.co.nz\/pages\/alex-sands-carver\" title=\"Alex Sands carver profile\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.silverferngallery.co.nz\/pages\/alex-sands-carver\"\u003eAlex Sands\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cbr\u003eWhale Bone\u003cbr\u003e(This piece cannot be exported).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e7cm x 5cm x 1cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn a waxed plaited nylon cord.  Adjustable length.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"text-center\"\u003eA freeform pendant representing a manaia.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Manaia:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Manaia is a traditional Maori carving that represents a spiritual guardian, believed to have the power to protect the wearer from evil spirits and bring good luck. This piece is not only a work of art.  It holds deep meaning and significance in Maori culture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"silverferngallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44812585107678,"sku":"B115-AS","price":1480.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/0486\/9854\/files\/IMG_3745_18ba632b-260e-431d-a235-85a30c83dc65.jpg?v=1731100380"},{"product_id":"whalebone-manaia-8cm-by-alex-sands","title":"Whale Bone Manaia 8cm by Alex Sands","description":"Hand carved by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.silverferngallery.co.nz\/pages\/alex-sands-carver\" title=\"Alex Sands carver profile\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.silverferngallery.co.nz\/pages\/alex-sands-carver\"\u003eAlex Sands\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cbr\u003eWhale Bone\u003cbr\u003e(This piece cannot be exported).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e8cm x 4.3cm x 0.5cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn a waxed plaited nylon cord.  Adjustable length.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"text-center\"\u003eA freeform pendant representing a manaia.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Manaia:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Manaia is a traditional Maori carving that represents a spiritual guardian, believed to have the power to protect the wearer from evil spirits and bring good luck. This piece is not only a work of art.  It holds deep meaning and significance in Maori culture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"silverferngallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44812596478174,"sku":"B116-AS","price":1280.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/0486\/9854\/files\/IMG_3739_b429c6b2-1ea9-4bd7-a67e-e0408859d5d9.jpg?v=1731100286"},{"product_id":"whalebone-wahaika-by-alex-sands","title":"Whale Bone Wahaika by Alex Sands","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand carved by \u003ca title=\"Alex Sands carver profile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.silverferngallery.co.nz\/pages\/alex-sands-carver\"\u003eAlex Sands\u003c\/a\u003e from Whale Bone\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePresentation piece or can be displayed as an artpiece\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e42cm x 14cm x 2.2cm at the widest points\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGenuine whale bone - this particular piece cannot be exported due to cities protocols\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cb\u003eWahaika\u003c\/b\u003e is a type of traditional Maori hand weapon. Wahaika are club-like weapons usually made of wood, whalebone or pounamu and are used for thrusting and striking in close-quarter, hand to hand fighting. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eWahaika\u003c\/i\u003e translates to \"mouth of the fish\", in reference to the notch on one side which is used to catch an opponent's weapon. On the other side just above the handle the concave tip above a carved humanoid figure is the primary striking edge, particularly used against the opponent's temples, face, and ribs. The rest of the spherical edge is sharp like a blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to being a fighting weapon, rangatira would hold wahaika during ceremonies and speeches, especially if they wanted people to pay attention to something important. Special wahaika would only be given to people with considerable ranking in the Maori tribal structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"silverferngallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45821442228446,"sku":"AS","price":4600.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/0486\/9854\/files\/IMG_5157.jpg?v=1724124197"},{"product_id":"whale-bone-heru-comb-carved-by-alex-sands","title":"Carved Whale Bone Heru (comb) Taonga by Alex Sands","description":"\u003cp\u003eHeru (comb) by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.silverferngallery.co.nz\/pages\/shayne-oneill-craftsman\" title=\"https:\/\/www.silverferngallery.co.nz\/pages\/shayne-oneill-craftsman\"\u003eAlex Sands\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNote: This taonga is genuine whale bone and therefore cannot be sent out of New Zealand \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Heru:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHeru were traditionally produced in varying shapes and sizes and were made from wood, and in some instance’s bone. These combs were highly valued as a personal heirloom and were handed down from one generation to the next.  The combs were mostly decorative and held the pūtikitiki (top knot) in place. When a comb was broken, it was placed in a swamp or a sacred place for safe keeping because the head is the most sacred part of the body and therefore tapu (sacred). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMeasurements: 27.5cm x 7cm x 0.5cm \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe stand is not included \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"silverferngallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46526120263902,"sku":"AS","price":4200.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/0486\/9854\/files\/IMG_6158.jpg?v=1743802854"},{"product_id":"whalebone-hei-matau-pendant-by-alex-sands","title":"Whale Bone Hei Matau (fish hook) Pendant by Alex Sands","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand carved by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.silverferngallery.co.nz\/pages\/alex-sands-carver\" title=\"Alex Sands carver profile\"\u003eAlex Sands\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cbr\u003eWhale Bone and Whale Tooth\u003cbr\u003e(This piece cannot be exported)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn a waxed plaited nylon cord  (adjustable length)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e7cm x 3cm x 1.3cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Hei Matau:  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Hei Matau (fish hook) finds its origins in Maori legend - the North Island of New Zealand was once a huge fish that was caught by the great mariner, Maui, using only a woven line and a hook made from the jawbone of his grandmother. The fish hook denotes the importance of fishing to the Maori and their strong relationship to Tangaroa, the god of the sea. Originally a hook used to catch fish, it slowly became ornamental, particularly when Maori began trading with Europeans.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhales in Maori Culture:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhales are considered a taonga species, representing abundance and richness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e They were regarded as chiefly animals. Early Māori welcomed stranded whales as a gift from Tangaroa (God of the Sea) utilising the flesh, oil and bones for a range of uses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn general, whales are often associated with intelligence, communication and emotions. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn many indigenous cultures today, whales are revered as sacred beings that possess great wisdom and are believed to offer protection and guidance. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"silverferngallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46624734576862,"sku":"B131-AS","price":1150.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/0486\/9854\/files\/IMG_5986.jpg?v=1745096583"},{"product_id":"large-whalebone-and-pounamu-hei-matau-pendant-by-alex-sands","title":"Large Whale Bone and Pounamu Hei Matau Pendant by Alex Sands","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand carved by \u003ca title=\"Alex Sands carver profile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.silverferngallery.co.nz\/pages\/alex-sands-carver\"\u003eAlex Sands\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cbr\u003eWhale Bone and Pounamu\u003cbr\u003e(This piece cannot be exported)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn a waxed plaited nylon cord  (adjustable length)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e130mm x 30mm x 18mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Hei Matau:  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Hei Matau (fish hook) finds its origins in Maori legend - the North Island of New Zealand was once a huge fish that was caught by the great mariner, Maui, using only a woven line and a hook made from the jawbone of his grandmother. The fish hook denotes the importance of fishing to the Maori and their strong relationship to Tangaroa, the god of the sea. Originally a hook used to catch fish, it slowly became ornamental, particularly when Maori began trading with Europeans.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhales in Maori Culture:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhales are considered a taonga species, representing abundance and richness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e They were regarded as chiefly animals. Early Māori welcomed stranded whales as a gift from Tangaroa (God of the Sea) utilising the flesh, oil and bones for a range of uses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn general, whales are often associated with intelligence, communication and emotions. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn many indigenous cultures today, whales are revered as sacred beings that possess great wisdom and are believed to offer protection and guidance. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"silverferngallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46693598101726,"sku":"B130-AS","price":1650.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/0486\/9854\/files\/IMG_6160.jpg?v=1747110584"},{"product_id":"whale-bone-nguru-flute-paraoa","title":"Carved Whale Bone Nguru (flute) Parāoa (sperm whale jawbone) by Alex Sands","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhale Bone Nguru Paraoa \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCarved from a sperm whale jawbone\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith Whakarei (detailed intricate carving)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e10cm x 4cm x 3.5cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGenuine whale bone - this particular piece cannot be exported due to cities protocols\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Nguru: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eNguru are unique flutes found only in the traditions of NZ Māori. They are generally made from various types of hard wood or bone. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNguru are semi enclosed flutes that have wenewene (finger holes).  The end opening is cross blown, which produces a rich and melodic sound. The sound is manipulated in micro tonal shifts rather than jumping from one note to the next. This subtle shift in sound requires a sensitivity that often takes lots of practise to develop well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlthough nguru are most often played with the mouth, they are sometimes called nose flutes as smaller instruments can also be played with the nose by blocking one nostril and blowing across the larger openings of the instrument. In Māori tradition and in many pacific cultures, the breath of the nose is sacred. When nguru are played with the nose, they can produce sounds that are perceived as spirit voices joining together with the sound and the song.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the past, nguru were often played at times of great sorrow, such as tangihanga (funerary events). Subsequently, they are very important taonga. Nguru made from niho pāraoa are the most highly valued and were only owned by tohunga (priests) or rangatira (chiefs).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"silverferngallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46705603150046,"sku":"AS","price":3300.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/0486\/9854\/files\/IMG_0320.jpg?v=1780214358"},{"product_id":"hand-carved-whale-bone-patu-by-alex-sands","title":"Hand Carved Whale Bone Patu - by Alex Sands","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhale Bone Patu carved from the jaw of a sperm whale\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHandcarved by \u003ca title=\"Alex Sands carver profile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.silverferngallery.co.nz\/pages\/alex-sands-carver\"\u003eAlex Sands\u003c\/a\u003e of Ngunguru Iwi\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eapprox 35cm x 9cm x 1.5cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGenuine whale bone - this particular piece cannot be exported due to cities protocols\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Patu:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe word patu in the Māori language means to strike, hit, beat, kill or subdue. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOriginally a Maori weapon known for its swift and powerful strikes, the Patu represents strength and protection. When given as a 21st key or koha (gift), it takes on a new meaning, symbolizing not only the passage into adulthood but also the enduring legacy of Maori culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to being a fighting weapon, rangatira would hold wahaika during ceremonies and speeches, especially if they wanted people to pay attention to something important. Special wahaika would only be given to people with considerable ranking in the Maori tribal structure.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"silverferngallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47542182183134,"sku":"AS","price":3650.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/0486\/9854\/files\/IMG_7004.jpg?v=1758942256"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/0486\/9854\/collections\/IMG_1966.jpg?v=1780800558","url":"https:\/\/www.silverferngallery.co.nz\/collections\/whale-bone-carvings.oembed","provider":"silverferngallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}