Te Ātaahua o te Ngākau Pirau
"The beauty of the rotten heart"
is a Contemporary patu carved from swamp-recovered kaikōkō tōtara
This Piece acknowledges that beauty can reside within what appears compromised. What seems to be decayed does not lose its value, but reveals another way for it to be seen.
The timber carries the visible imprint of decay, Caused by a fungus which rots the tree from the inside out. It shows us that transformation often occurs from within. The ngākau, the inner core, affected by a type of rot that would deem the timber unusable. But I saw the beauty of what it could be. A reminder that Strength is not presented as hardness, but as the ability to endure change. In te ao Māori, pirau is part of a cycle. What returns to the earth feeds the unseen and becomes foundation for new life.
The intricate pattern created by fungal presence has been intentionally preserved within the carving. Rather than hide the marks of decay, the work honours them. The patu, traditionally a close-combat weapon, its form accentuates vulnerability rather than concealing it.
Timber - Totara
Display Stand - Totara
Finished with Danish oil
Overall Dimensions (L x H x D) - 410mm x 150mm x 100mm
Date: 7-OCT-2025
Artist - Jo Waititi
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CARE & MAINTENANCE
This taonga has been handcrafted from natural timber. Like all living materials, wood responds to its environment and may subtly change over time.
To keep your taonga looking its best:
- Keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight.
- Avoid exposure to excessive moisture, heat, or rapid temperature changes.
- Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth.
Small marks, colour changes, and the development of character over time are part of the natural journey of the wood and add to the unique story of your taonga.
Treat it with care, and it will continue to carry its story for generations to come
SHIPPING & RETURNS
Ready-Made Items
- Please allow up to 1–2 weeks for your order to be processed and dispatched.
- Once dispatched, you will receive tracking details where applicable.
Custom Orders
- Custom commissions require a minimum of 3 weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the piece and current workload.
- An estimated completion timeframe will be provided when your order is confirmed.
While every effort is made to meet estimated timeframes, delays may occasionally occur due to material availability, commission complexity, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Returns & Exchanges
Due to the handcrafted nature of my work, all sales are considered final. However, if your item arrives damaged or there is an issue with your order, please contact me within 7 days of receiving it so we can work towards a solution.
Custom-made commissions cannot be returned or refunded unless they arrive damaged or there is a fault in workmanship.
Please note:
- Natural variations in timber grain, colour, figure, and character are not considered defects.
- Small imperfections are part of the uniqueness of handcrafted wooden taonga.
If a return is approved, the item must be returned in its original condition before a refund or replacement can be processed.
If you have any questions about your order, feel free to get in touch before purchasing.