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.  When creating this piece, the artist had whakaaro around: 

• Carrying the kōrero of your tupuna into this generation 
• Working towards your reo Māori journey
• The head of the Tiaha (weaponry), which represents one of your tupuna
• Using words or kupu to divert a situation or create something into being. 

Measures 11cm length x 3.8cm width, double-sided, black adjustable waxed cord with extensive whipping and lashing to add additional value to the piece and keep it the upoko looking forward.

This would look nice on top of a tie for formal wear or worn casually.