Bone Carving #76 Ngutu Huia (Huia Beak)

Bone Carving #76 Ngutu Huia (Huia Beak)

This Taonga is based on the Huia Bird, Ngutu-Huia meaning, 'the beak of the huia.' 

In Te Ao Maori the huia bird was highly prized and even sacred. Even in it's extinction it's feathers were adorned by tohunga and chiefs who would wear their feathers for hair and clothing.

Our heads, considered very tapu or sacred/set apart from other parts of the body meant the wearing of huia feathers in the hair was a symbol of mana, power, authority and high status. 

The kowhaiwhai patterns surrounding the huia bird in this taonga represent whānau or whakapapa connections and even the ebs and flows of life experience. 

A beautiful contemporary piece for a special person. 

This taonga measures 8.4mm x 3.9 mm and comes with a light brown platted, waxed cord (adjustable).