Necklaces carved from animal bones or also known as the bone carving necklace have a significant role in Maori rituals and ceremonies. Necklaces carved from stone or bone are still widely worn in New Zealand, demonstrating the item’s cultural significance. The Maori culture values these patterns highly because of the rich meaning they contain. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re considering making a purchase of a bone carving necklace.

The Meaning Behind Bone Carving Necklace

The carving was crucial to Maori culture because of the lack of a written language among the Maori people. Carvings are a way of giving beliefs physical form and of passing on tales from one generation to the next.

A bone carving necklace is more than just a pretty accessory. There are possibilities for recognition, confirmation of oneself, and protection against harm. The most common materials for carvings are whalebone and pounamu.

Wearing it causes a gradual change in skin tone, most noticeably in the color of the wearer’s underlying bone structure. This is meant to symbolize the carved item absorbing the deceased person’s soul. They carry the spirit of the people who wore them from one period to the next as they are handed down through the generations. 

Pounamu, or New Zealand greenstone, is a kind of jade that can only be found in a few locations around New Zealand. However, Pounamu sculptures may be found all around New Zealand, and the Maori have a very high opinion of this hard, attractive stone. Different-sized and colored flecks give pounamu its distinctive green hues.

According to legend, Waitaki, the lady from whom Pounamu was mined, was the stone’s first incarnation. One day, Poutini, the son of the sea god Tangaroa, spirited her away from the South Island’s shores. Tama-Ahua, her husband, pursued her and Poutini until they reached the Arahura River. Poutini, who guards Pounamu, is highly esteemed by the community.

A Variety of Bone Carving Necklace

A bone carving necklace may have any number of different designs. Popular carvings include the fish hook and the koru.

Hook or Matau

A bone carving necklace is called “Hei,” and they are often worn around the neck. The Maori fish hook signifies wealth, life, and happiness due to the Maori people’s deep connection to the sea and fishing. This tool may help improve the security of oceanic transportation.

The Pikorua or Single Twist

The twist, as the path through life, is a metaphor for infinity. Though they may go long periods of time without seeing each other, the shape of pikorua symbolizes the inseparable bond that exists between two people’s souls.

Spiral

This spiral depicting the unfurling of a silver fern frond symbolizes the rebirth and renewal that is inherent in the natural world. The term has been expanded to include concepts like harmony, serenity, and tranquillity, as well as personal or spiritual development, awakening, and transformation.

Manaia

This weird hybrid creature has the head of a bird, the body of a person, and the tail of a fish. Its dual purpose as both messenger and protector is unmatched. It also represents peace on Earth, at sea, and in the heavens.

This kind of bone carving necklace is worn as a lucky charm for generations. Pride in one’s ancestry, as well as sageness and insight, can be communicated in this way. It’s often handed on from dad to his kid.

Whale’s Tail

Whales were of enormous importance to the first Maori settlers of New Zealand. The whale’s tail represents guidance and security for mariners.

A bone carving necklace crafted from intricate bone carvings has cultural significance and can be passed down through the generations as treasured heirlooms. A bone carving necklace is a wonderful option if you need a present suggestion.