Whale bone carving

The whale bone Koru is a unique and powerful symbol that blends traditional Māori art with deeper spiritual meanings, drawing on both the natural world and the profound cultural significance of certain materials.

Koru: The Spiral of New Beginnings

The Koru itself is a widely recognized symbol in Māori culture, often seen in traditional art and carving. It is a spiral shape that mimics the unfolding frond of a fern, representing new beginnings, growth, and the continuous cycle of life. The Koru also symbolizes harmony, balance, and the transition from one state to another—whether it's a moment of personal transformation, the changing of seasons, or a return to peace and tranquility after a period of challenge.
In the context of the whale bone Koru, the spiral form can represent a deeper, more profound connection to the natural world, particularly the ocean and its creatures. The spiral can evoke ideas of wholeness, as the whale, as a majestic ocean dweller, carries with it both a deep connection to the earth and the mysterious depths of the ocean.
Whale Bone: Sacred Connection to the Ocean

Whale bone itself is a significant material in Māori culture, prized for its durability and spiritual connection to the sea. Whales are considered to be taonga (treasures) in Māori culture, revered as ancestors, or tipuna, in some Iwi (tribes). The whale represents wisdom, strength, and spiritual guidance, as it is seen as a guardian of the seas, and it holds deep ancestral significance for many Māori people.
Carving the Koru from whale bone enhances the symbolism by infusing the object with the spirit of the whale, and in turn, the spirit of the ocean itself. The connection between the ocean’s wisdom and the growth and renewal represented by the Koru may be seen as a metaphor for personal evolution and the process of adapting to life’s challenges.
Spiritual Meaning

When combined, the whale bone koru embodies a powerful spiritual message. It represents the cyclical nature of life, connecting the past, present, and future in a harmonious flow. The whale, a creature that journeys through the depths of the ocean, symbolizes a deep understanding of the hidden aspects of existence, while the koru spiral signifies continual growth and renewal. Together, they suggest that, like the ocean and its tides, we are always in motion—learning, evolving, and returning to balance.
In a more personal or spiritual sense, the whale bone koru could also represent the balance between mind and spirit, the earth and the water, and the inner strength and wisdom needed to navigate life's uncertainties. The spiral may remind one of their journey toward enlightenment or deeper self-awareness, while the whale bone invokes a sense of sacredness, ancient knowledge, and the reminder that we are all interconnected with nature.
Overall, the whale bone Koru is a rich symbol that invites reflection on life’s cyclical nature, the wisdom found in nature, and the importance of maintaining harmony and balance within oneself and with the world around us.

Measurement- 50mm round

Packing- black leather bound box.