Pekapeka - Customary

This Taonga is a Customary-style Pekapeka. As you can see in the photos attached, this piece is based on a historical piece, found in the collections of Aotearoa/NZ's National Museum - Te Papa.

Pekapeka is the Māori word for 'Bat' - fun fact, the 2x species of Bat that exist in Aotearoa are our only native land mammal!

Historically, customary pieces such as this were carved using a variety of tools, but namely: 'Hoanga' / Sandstone, as well as a 'Tūwiri' / Pumpdrill.

This Pekapeka was carved from a nice piece of South Westland Pounamu, and though it was carved with modern tools, it has intentionally followed the form, flow, contours, and finish seen on our customary pieces. A true challenge to replicate historical Taonga.

This Pekapeka also features a Muka / Flax Fibre cord and Pounamu Toggle.

Muka / Flax Fibre 3-plait Cord.

30 x 60mm

This Taonga was carved by Kris Kopua.