HE WHAKANUI I TE TOROA - Albatross - a magnificent, work of art to wear! Hand carved by Andrew Doughty A description of this piece in the artists words... This taonga has been named He whakanui i te toroa which translates to a celebration of the Albatross. It is a combination of pounamu with an inlay of bone. The eyes of the bird are also made of pounamu. The pounamu is based on the shape of the Tomairaki (Tōmairangi), which is reminiscent of a dew drop. At another level, it symbolises the physical vehicle that each of us possess. In the grand scheme, it is as fleeting as the morning dew. "Ka patapata iho taku whakaakoranga āno he ua, ka maturuturu iho taku kupu ano he tomairangi (tomairaki), me te ua punehunehu ki runga i te tipu hou." This is interpreted to "My teaching drops like rain, my words trickle forth like dew and the misty rain on new shoots". As such, this is an expression of great wisdom. This poem was gifted to me by the late Kaumātua and Tohonga Na te Upoko Runaka o Te Runaka ki Otautahi o Kai Tahu, Rev'd Maurice Manawaroa Gray MNZM, LTh,JP. Upon this is the head of the toroa. This is a symbol with several layers of meaning. At one level it represents freedom and the inner life of the spirit. Therefore, at another level it represents the attainment of flying with spiritual direction. Being inlayed upon the pounamu shows that it is grounded upon truth and reality. Toroa are masters of the sky. They have the biggest wingspans of any living bird, up to 3.5 meters (11 feet). They can glide for hours without flapping their wings and fly thousands of miles across the open ocean using almost no energy. Sailors viewed them as lucky symbols or as the souls of lost crew members. This is a medium sized piece, intricately carved and beautiful to wear. We have hand plaited an adjustable cord in colours of the albatross. HE WHAKANUI I TE TOROA is a marvellous piece that will certainly draw attention and comment. HE WHAKANUI I TE TOROA is lovingly packaged in a woven kete pouch. Also included in your package, a note from the carver about your original work of Art to Wear. Free shipping worldwide - Express Courier Shipping is included in the price. Meaning: Inner Peace ~ Grounded ~ Protection Artist: Andrew Doughty Material: New Zealand Jade, Pounamu with Bone Cord Colour: Black/Pink/Ice White Cord with Black Slipknots Cord Length: Adjustable Size: 59mm (2.3") long; 25mm (1") wide at bottom