Uhi Pounamu

Tim carved this  uhi pounamu to represent the beautiful and sacred practise of carving and wearing tā moko.  Carved from a stunning piece of Marsden Flower Jade it carries its own markings. And includes wee notches on the end to symbolise the the marking points on the uhi.  This would make the perfect gift for the Tohunga Tāmoko or the tā moko lover and wearer in life.

The Origins of Tā Moko

Mataora was a rangatira who married Niwareka, a spirit from Rarohenga (the underworld). One day he struck Niwareka across the face in a rage. She fled back to her homeland, as domestic violence was unheard of in Rarohenga. Mataora, overcome by guilt and love, set off to find her.

In Rarohenga he met Niwareka’s father, Uetonga, a rangatira descended from Rūaumoko, and a specialist in tā moko. Mataora was intrigued, for in his world moko was a temporary form of adornment using soot, blue clay or red ochre. Uetonga wiped his son-in-law’s face to show the worthlessness of a temporary tattoo.

Mataora asked if Uetonga would apply moko to his face. The pain of the process was almost unbearable and as a consequence Mataora began to chant to Niwareka.

Niwareka was summoned by her sister, but Mataora, blinded by the swelling caused by the tattoo, was unrecognisable to her. However, she identified the cloak she had woven for her husband, pitied him for his suffering and greeted him with tears.

When his moko healed, Mataora asked Niwareka to return with him to the natural world. He promised Uetonga that he would not harm his daughter again as the moko he was now wearing would not rub off. As a parting gift, Mataora was presented with the knowledge of tā moko.

Mataora worked on developing is abilities for tā moko and, using the designs taught to him in Rarohenga, his fame spread. A school was established and the art of tā moko spread, and to today we still enjoy the sacred art of tā moko.

• Marsden Flower Pounamu from Te Tai Poutini
• 118mm length x 12mm wide
• One of a kind, taonga by Timoti