{"product_id":"pale-copper-blue-glass-wahaika","title":"Pale Copper Blue Wahaika Mangōpare Design","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePale Copper Blue Wahaika Mangōpare Design | Mike Cameron\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this significant work, Mike Cameron translates the traditional Māori \u003ci\u003ewahaika\u003c\/i\u003e (short club) into the luminous medium of cast gaffe glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy recreating this ancestral silhouette, Mike explores the intersection of strength and fragility, transforming a historically powerful form into a translucent vessel of light and culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe piece features intricate surface detailing with patterns that flow across the blade, echoing traditional \u003ci\u003ewhakairo\u003c\/i\u003e (carving).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe handle is expertly bound with a textured fibre wrap, providing a tactile contrast to the smooth, glowing glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResting on a bespoke wood base, this work stands as a sophisticated tribute to Aotearoa’s heritage, reimagined through a bold, contemporary lens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe patu is a traditional hand-held striking weapon, usually made from pounamu, wood, bone, or whalebone. It was used as a close-combat weapon and could also represent strength, mana, authority and protection. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe mangōpare pattern represents the hammerhead shark symbolizing strength, courage, determination and leadership. The design is formed by mirroring the stylized head of a hammerhead shark into interlocking curved shapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause the hammerhead shark is a fierce and dominant hunter the pattern embodies tenacity. In Māori tradition sharks are often viewed as kaitiaki (spiritual  guardian's).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt represents the resilience and capability required to lead, protect and navigate difficult times. Historically it was carved onto weapons to invoke the sharks protective power and sharp perception.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe feathers are added to denote status and prestige, showing it belongs to a rangatira or esteemed warriors. The feathers connect the piece to the realms of the atua (gods) and the natural world. Birds are seen as messengers between the physical and spiritual realms, providing spiritual protection to the recipient.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWahaika Dimensions\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLength - 440mm x Width - 25mm x Height - 130mm  \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSculpture Dimensions\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLength - 500mm x Width - 80mm x Height - 155mm  \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mike Cameron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67580205924388,"sku":"151594","price":6000.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0136\/3178\/2970\/files\/MC_styled-8.jpg?v=1790735634","url":"https:\/\/www.thepoiroom.co.nz\/products\/pale-copper-blue-glass-wahaika","provider":"The Poi Room Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}