KUAKA

KUAKA - Godwit

Beautiful New Zealand Pounamu Tiki, hand carved by Rory Ruddell-Tauwhare.

KUAKA is a large tiki - carved from an exceptional piece of Inanga jade.

KUAKA is beautifully carved. Look closely at the photos and the video - the stone is a very soft milky green with some darker inclusions.

The design is a traditional one - angled head, eyes highlighted with notched Pāua Shell, a central ridge beneath the head representing the neck, which forks at the end to the sides of the body, representing ribs and sternum. The hands are braced on the thighs and it has a gently raised puku (belly).

KUAKA - is a spectacular piece, this will become a family heirloom.

The tiki is a well recognised symbol in Maori culture, but also has historical roots in Hawaiian and wider Polynesian cultures. It is believed to symbolise fertility, and was often worn by women who believed that it would promote fertility. Pregnant women wore tiki to promote a healthy and easy birth. They would wear the piece during the birth - and recite karakia, prayers, to the tiki asking for assistance in the birth of their child. Its form is believed to represent a human embryo, often carved with the hands placed on the loins in what is believed to be a direct reference to fertility.

These pendants were traditionally highly valued and wearers were seen to possess clarity of thought, loyalty, great inner knowledge and strength of character. 

The tiki is believed by some to have come from the stars, and was regarded as the 'first man'. He was (and still is) believed to have a positive influence on fertility, and to bring the wearer good luck.

KUAKA is lovingly packaged in a woven kete pouch, with a Tiki meaning card included.

Shipping to you with Express Courier is included in the price.

Meaning: Fertility ~ Fortune ~ Creation

Artist: Rory Ruddell-Tauwhare

Material: New Zealand Inanga Pounamu, Jade with Pāua Shell Inlay Eyes

Cord Colour: Thick Black

Cord Length: Adjustable

Size: 47mm (1.8") long; 79mm (3.1") wide