This pendant was carved by Terry Urban
The Koru design is a powerful symbol to the people of Aotearoa. Inspired by the New Zealand fern frond unfurling as it opens, it represents, peace, tranquility, nurturing, spirituality, personal growth, positive change and awakening. A double Koru can represent the bonding of two people. The koru also resembles a curling wave and can be representative of the sea.
This koru is carved from Tangiwai (greenstone) and measures 40mm ( 1.75" ) in diameter
This makes it an ideal gift, suitable for many occasions. Perfect for a new parent, for newlyweds, for kids heading off to college, for a work colleague leaving to take up a new position, anyone starting a new phase in their life.
The koru is one of the most used elements in Moko (facial tattoos). A Maori proverb says, “Ka hinga atu he tete-kura - ka hara-mai he tete-kura”, translated this means, “As one fern frond (person) dies – one is born to take its place.” Not only can it represent parenthood, or whakapapa (ancestry/genealogy) it also symbolizes sustainability, the passing of life, information and resources from one generation to the next.
Other Historical Information:
In earlier times Maori used silver fern fronds as soft bedding and the white undersides to mark tracks through the bush. The woody fibre of the ponga is poisonous and this poison was used on the tips of spears in warfare.
However the fern also has healing properties. The stem was split open to expose the soft, central core or ‘heart’ and this was used as a poultice for skin ailments including boils and abscesses and also for wounds because of its antiseptic properties. Ponga gum was taken internally to expel worms. The fronds (pikopiko) were boiled and the juice used to treat diabetes.
