WHAKAKOTAHI

WHAKAKOTAHI - Unity, United... Hand carved for us by Kerry Thompson.

A description of this beautiful piece from the artist...

WHAKAKOTAHI represents a person or group who protect and provide for there friends and family members, providing the necessities and standing up for one another. The figure on the side symbolizes someone or a group that is the keeper of peace and unity, the koru design are the family and friends all working together, and the cutout spiral design shows the coming together to strengthen one another.

WHAKAKOTAHI is a powerful modern interpretation of this revered weapon, reimagined as a breathtaking sculptural piece. Carved from New Zealand Kawakawa Pounamu, the treasured nephrite jade of Aotearoa, it embodies both beauty and strength. The blade is hewn from deep, dark green Kawakawa stone, a hue that speaks to its formidable origins. In contrast, the handle softens into shades of pale mint, a delicate balance of light and dark, power and grace.

Like all pounamu, this piece is more than just a visual marvel—it is meant to be held, to be felt. The smooth, polished surface carries an almost living energy, inviting touch, connection, and contemplation. Whether displayed as a centerpiece or cradled in your hands, WHAKAKOTAHI is a testament to craftsmanship, legacy, and the enduring power of tradition.

The Waihaka was a traditional weapon used by Māori for close quarter fighting. These were clubs used to parry and strike in close combat - in the hands of a skilled warrior they were lethal.

The name wahaika comes from the design - 'waha' meaning mouth, and 'ika' meaning fish - this described the gap on one side of the weapon, a little like a fish's mouth!

Needless to say, WHAKAKOTAHI is a wonderful traditional weapon - in this form a spectacular sculpture. 

WE HAVE ONE ONLY

The Wahaika as described on the Museum of New Zealand - "Te Papa" - website: https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/104468

A wahaika is a type of hand club that was in common use before the introduction of European technology to New Zealand. Most wahaika were made either from whale bone or wood. The whole blade edge might be used to parry blows or strike an opponent during combat.

Meaning: Unity ~ Keeper of Peace ~ Family

Artist: Kerry Thompson

Material: New Zealand Kawakawa Pounamu, Jade. The cord is hand plaited hemp.

Material of Stand: Powder coated steel

Size of Wahaika: 400mm (15.7") long, 120mm (4.7") wide

Size of Stand: 340mm (13.3") long, 140mm (5.5") height at highest point

Weight of Wahaika: 959 Grams

Weight of Stand: 1.15kg

Total Weight: 2.1 Kilos