Hiku Tohorā Kōkopu- Greenstone Whale Tail Pendant Chatoyant Traditional Māori heru are combs

Traditional Māori heru are combs worn as functional hair ornaments by both men and women

This rei puta was carved by Jeremy Walsh from inanga pounamu sourced from Aruhura

Kōuma are breastplates or shield adornments that represent strength and leadership

This kapeu was carved by Daryl Munroe from flower jade kahurangi pounamu sourced from Marsden of Te Wai Pounamu

Hiku Tohorā Kōkopu- Greenstone Whale Tail Pendant Chatoyant Traditional Māori heru are combsFrom the discovery of Aotearoa by the original whale rider Paikea, tohor (whales) have been highly regarded kin or tpuna to Mori and are the kaitiaki (guardians) of the realm of Tangaroa, the atua (spirit) of the ocean. In the Mori world, they are an omen of the supernatural and a sign of abundance because of their many offerings, even in death. This hiku tohor was carved by Aaron Marshall from kkopu pounamu sourced from Arahura of Te Wai Pounamu,