KŌTUKU

KŌTUKU - hand carved by Kerry Thompson

A stunning Pito blade breastplate pendant carved in a sublime piece of Guatemalan Jade. The centre feature are two beautiful KŌTUKU (white heron) birds.

This breathtaking Pito blade breastplate pendant, carved from a sublime piece of Guatemalan jade, is a powerful fusion of elegance, purpose and ancient strength.

The Pito blade was traditionally used for cutting a newborns umbilical cord. I New Zealand they were traditionally made from sharp stone shards, or pounamu ground to a fine edge. In Mayan culture, jade was revered as a living stone - an embodiment of sacred water, breath and regeneration. 

Kerry has added a pair of KŌTUKU, white heron birds that hold a special place in New Zealand culture. They are considered both rare and beautiful - symbolically, a perfect design for this beautiful piece.

The jade’s pale green depths are alive with delicate marbling, as capturing the lush vibrancy of Guatemalan landscapes.

The breastplate design speaks of protection and power, its smooth curves and sharp edges balancing grace with an unyielding resolve... a reminder of the enduring legacy of the jade that the Mayans called Ya’ax Ché, the sacred heart of their world.

This is a legacy piece of art - made to be worn and held within a family.