Whale bone carving Pikorua twist necklace

The Māori word for whale bone is "Parāoa" or "whalebone" in some contexts. Whale bone has significant cultural and spiritual meaning to the Māori people of New Zealand, embodying values like strength, protection, and connection to ancestors.

In Māori culture, whale bone carvings (known as "Whakairo parāoa") are highly revered, as they are crafted from a sacred animal believed to be connected with gods and ancestors, especially Tangaroa, the god of the sea. Wearing or possessing a whale bone carving symbolizes wisdom, spirituality, and a deep connection to the ocean. Often passed down through generations, they represent mana (prestige) and Whakapapa (genealogy), linking individuals to their lineage, heritage, and the broader natural world.

The Pikorua (twist) is a traditional Māori symbol that is often carved from whale bone or Pounamu (greenstone). The Pikorua represents the bond between people, the connection of friendship, loyalty, and love that can withstand life’s challenges.

The symbol typically features a twisting loop that may have single, double, or even triple twists. Each loop represents the ebb and flow of life, a journey of unity, and the strength of relationships. When made from whale bone, the Pikorua carries an additional layer of meaning, as the material itself represents spiritual connection and protection, a bond with ancestors, and a respect for the ocean and its creatures. It is often gifted to express enduring relationships and mutual respect, making it especially meaningful in both family and romantic contexts.

Measurement- length 75mm plus 40 mm.