Niho Poaka – Mana Taonga
Niho Poaka – the tusk of a pig. While it is believed that poaka (pigs) brought over by the original Polynesian settlers of Aotearoa did not survive the journey, poaka have long been important to Māori life. Evidence suggests that Māori next encountered poaka when Captain Cook arrived and they were quickly taken up in to the Māori lifestyle. Poaka were useful for cleaning up scraps and provided a good source of meat and fat.
While Māori did not carve in to tusks they would wear them as adornments around their neck and ears. Māori are well known for their keen pig hunting skills and continue to wear poaka tusks today.
Carved from the rind of the beautiful Marsden Flower Jade, this taonga is a nod to poaka and the important role they have played in sustaining Māori over the years. With its smooth curve and beautiful raw kiri face, this taonga is wonderful to hold in the hands and when worn is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life.
Learn more about the origins of Mana Taonga here.
- Marsden Flower Jade pounamu from Te Tai Poutini
- 120mm length x 35mm wide
- One of a kind, taonga by Timoti
💚Now every taonga you purchase helps us to carve a taonga for EVERY tamariki in care in Aotearoa. You can read more about our Tū Māia project here. Ngā mihi mahana for your support of this kaupapa!💚
$600.00
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