Pukaki Coin Pendant

These are the kinds of designs that really get me excited.

The detail is just wicked, zoom in, it's just beautiful. Even down to the vertical splits in the wood from the actual carving, and the teeth!!!. And what is mind blowing, is that all this minute detail is packed into 1.9cm height. Sadly the current version is more clean cut, which has lost some of the character.

Pukaki was hand sawn from a NZ Twenty cent coin, this is the larger version, the smaller version is on the current twenty cent coin.

Sterling silver bail and ring, that I have handcrafted from vintage sterling that I recycle myself.

This wee pendant will rarely need cleaning, but can be cleaned with a silver polishing cloth.

** Currently posting twice a week **

The carving
The Pukaki carving, as depicted on the 20 cent coin, was created in 1836 as part of a five-metre-high gateway to guard the entrance to Ohinemutu from an impending attack. This was three generations after Pukaki's death.

The carving was expertly crafted by Te Taupua of Ngati Whakaue from a large piece of totara felled by the Ngongotaha stream. It honours Ngati Whakaue's conquest of Pukeroa-Oruawhata.

The carving shows Pukaki holding his two warrior sons, Wharengaro and Rangitakuku. Between his legs can be seen remnants of his wife Ngapuia.

For the full history, copy and paste the following link into your browser >>
https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/money-and-cash/coins/coins-in-circulation/pukaki-maori-carving-on-20-cent-coin#:~:text=The%20image%20on%20the%2020,Arawa%20in%20the%20Rotorua%20district.

Like many pieces I create out of vintage items, they may carry signs of a previous well loved life, which makes each piece perfectly imperfect.

Do not wear while swimming, soaking or showering, or spray with perfume etc.

This gorgeous pendant will come in a gift box, that I have crafted from 100% upcycled materials.

Handcrafted treasures from my studio in Palmerston North.