Bone Carving #29 Hei Upoko

This bone carving depicts the arero or the tongue. 

The tongue or words have the power to create in both positive and negative ways. The tounge is the vehicle we use to kōrero Māori, transfer our ancestral and whānau stories.

When creating this piece, the artist had whakaaro around: 

• Carrying the kōrero of your tupuna into this generation 
• Working towards your reo Māori journey (no matter your level of reo fluency)
• The head of the Tiaha (weaponry), which represents one of your tupuna
• Using your words to create positive outcomes or speak it into being.

Measures 11cm length x 3.8cm width, double-sided, black adjustable waxed cord with tidy whipping and lashing which adds additional value to the piece, looks smart during casual or formal wearing and it helps keep it the upoko looking forward.