Bone torea pendants by Kerry Thompson

Torea is the Maori word for the oystercatcher bird. Various species of this genus are spread over the world. The pied oystercatcher and the variable oystercatcher are native to New Zealand. Despite its name suggests this wader bird does not feed on oysters but on small crabs, worms, and other small marine creatures.

Courtesy photo: Boneart.co.nz

The torea bone carved pendants on the photo are made by master carver Kerry Thompson:

“Most of my works are of a contemporary Maori design, and I am greatly influenced by the beauty and nature that surrounds me. I have the satisfaction of being able to produce fine sculptures and feel greatly fortunate that I am able to care for the needs of my family by being involved in a work that I love.”

The material he used is two tone stained bone. Torea carvings by Kerry Thompson symbolize all seabirds. The torea design also:

“represents love for the ocean with a connection to the land, a navigator providing a clear path through life. It is also suggests the form of the Manaia, a Maori tribal mythical creature which acts as a spiritual guardian and winged messenger between mortal and spiritual realms.”

Maori proverb: “Ka whati te tai, Ka pao te Torea”: “As the tide recedes the oystercatcher strikes.”