Gordon Toi

Niho Tohora (Whales Tooth)
kauri, paua shell, pupu shell, gannet feathers, acrylic paint, blue glass
520 x 200 x 290mm
NZD $5,760.00

Traditionally Maori have had a long affiliation with whales. Whales provided food and utensils and feature in many Maori tribal stories. It is, for example, well recorded that whales would often accompany the great fleet of waka (canoes) across the Pacific Ocean as spiritual guardians protecting and escorting our ancestors on their voyages to and from Aotearoa. The exchanging of whales teeth is considered to be of great value and a great honour for those lucky enough to receive them. These teeth are a true testimony to the respect Maori have towards whales historically and today, and how important conservation of these great beings is to our society.

 

Go back to the Carving or the Maori Design or the over $1000 or the Gordon Toi collection.

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