Whales and Dolphins
Traditional Maori Carvings

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Whales and dolphins as motifs in bone carvings commemorate a strong spiritual bond between the Maori people and aquatic mammals.

Legends tell that whales guided and protected their ancestor’s sea-journey to Aotearoa. Other stories convey that individuals rode whales back to the mainland when trapped on an island or going overboard on a fishing trip. The Whale Rider movie was enthused by them.

Sperm Whale

Humpback Whale

Humpback Whale

Bottelnose Dolphins

Dusky Dolphin

Whales Tail

Dolphin Bone Carving #1

Dolphin Bone Carving #2

Whales Tail Bone Carving #3

Dolphin - Copper Wall Art

Following this link, you find more examples on aquatic mammals carvings.

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