This is a contempory take on a pectoral pendant and reel made from Nelson / Marlborough Blue Nephrite with the very rare Southern Westland Aotea Stone or high grade Fushite.
In New Zealand’s most distant past also known as the archaic phase these were adornments created by New Zealand’s first Polynesian settlers most likely the ancestors or Te Puna of today’s Moriori. The adornments / taonga of this era were of a very high quality in their artistic execution and sometimes of supersized proportions some pieces weighing up to several kilograms.
This piece was specially selected for a member of the DHB who was leaving the area and had done great work for the community. In contrast to this person’s service the appropriate piece was gifted symbolising continuity and ultimately connection as the pectoral part, the reel is the anchor, balance and stability pulling the two sides of the amulet together.
