Wooden Heru (comb) with Four Prongs - by Shayne O'Neill weta new zealand the high pitched

the high pitched

The pattern represents the designers tautoko (support) to the wahine who have kept raranga (Maori weaving) alive and well

In this series the carved space is representative of a womb - a protective repository for taonga (precious objects)

NZ Pounamu Kapeu pendant by Alex Sands

Wooden Heru (comb) with Four Prongs - by Shayne O'Neill weta new zealand the high pitchedHeru (comb) by Shayne O'Neill Features two types of wood About the Heru: Heru were traditionally produced in varying shapes and sizes and were made from wood, and in some instances bone. These combs were highly valued as a personal heirloom and were handed down from one generation to the next. The combs were mostly decorative and held the ptikitiki (top knot) in place. When a comb was broken, it was placed in a swamp or a sacred place for safe keeping