Ethnic Sculpture

In the legends of the South Islands Ngai Tahu tribe the guardian of Pounamu is a Taniwha, a giant water creature whose name was Poutini. His home is in the rough seas off the West Coast of the South Island, known to Moari as  “Te Tai o Poutini”.

Long ago, Poutini used to venture far and wide. During one of his many sojourns he saw a beautiful woman resting in the warm waters off Tuhua (Mayor Island, in northeast NZ). Her name was Waitaiki. Poutini looked at Waitaiki with lust in his heart and lunged forward snatching her, he then fled back towards the mainland.

If you would like to purchase any of these pieces or have any queries please contact Ian and quote the product code of the item shown when you click on the image.