Paua Pukeko

Designed with two tone Paua and Pink mussel shell, this stunning hand crafted Pukeko wall design is a unique piece. Made of individual genuine paua pieces sourced and imported from New Zealand, designed and crafted in Australia. This piece is one of my husbands favorites and it has been well thought out and meticulously put together to represent the Pūkeko, the New Zealand name for the purple swamphen. Pūkeko are commonly seen along marshy roadsides and low-lying open country in New Zealand and are thought to have originated from Australia many thousands of years ago.

The native New Zealand Paua shell that covers this piece is fond in the cold deep waters off the coasts of the North and South Island near the Antarctic. The amazing multi-coloured blue, green and purple hues of Paua (pronounced "pah-wah") make it one of the most beautiful and one of a kind shell in the world. 

The Paua shell is held in high regard as a treasure [taonga] from the God of the sea. Paua eyes were used in Māori carvings because they reflected the light at night, which made the carvings more life like, and people felt they were being looked over when they slept at night.

The Pink Mussel shell, found along the coast line of New Zealand, which is also used in this design, has a refreshingly feminine feel. Known for its soft pink hue and iridescent shimmer, the inner shell exudes an incredibly warm, pleasant demeanor.

Measures 40cm long x 37cm wide (comes in a small and medium also.  Price on application)