{"product_id":"maori-walking-stick-with-curved-handle-and-tiki-carving","title":"Maori Walking Stick with Curved Handle and Tiki Carving","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis beautifully and extensively carved Maori walking ( and talking) stick is called a Tokotoko (pronounced To as in \"tore\" and ko as the \"co\" in \"cork\"). Some Maori walking sticks have a handle and some don't - this is one with a lovely, slightly curved handle. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Maori tradition, the Tokotoko (a ceremonial carved walking stick) is a symbol of the authority and the status of a speaker on the Maori marae (meeting ground), and it tells of the history from which that authority comes. The carving may represent an ancestor or a legend. I have fond memories of seeing great Maori orators swinging their tokotoko about to make a point in their speech. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis carved Tokotoko is embellished with a full Maori Tiki or Tekoteko figure atop another Tiki head, as you would see in a Maori meeting house, its eyes inlaid with New Zealand paua (abalone) shell. Below the tiki faces the walking stick is further carved in a spiralling line two-thirds of the way down the stick. The walking stick is made out of a very strong but lightweight hardwood called Tulip Wood, and is stained a traditional brown colour. It is approximately 36 1\/4\" (92 cm) long, handcarved, with a rubber foot. The handle is 6 1\/4\" (16 cm) long. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEnjoy this fine piece of Maori carving, as a decorative item or gentle support. It is lighter than our other Maori walking stick. It should not replace an orthopaedic walking stick.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ShopNZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44352196444238,"sku":"jts1789706455950","price":148.61,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0740\/4801\/2366\/files\/maori-walking-stick-with-curved-handle-and-tiki-carving_1.jpg?v=1789706485","url":"https:\/\/rooftopclad.shop\/products\/maori-walking-stick-with-curved-handle-and-tiki-carving","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}