Murirangawhenua, kuia of Maui, who gifted Maui her magical jawbone.

Instead of giving him her actual physical jawbone, more than likely she passed down the knowledge and karakia verbally to Maui which enabled him to succeed in his upcoming challenges.

Kauae runga, kauae raro representing the upper and lower jaw.

Maui noticed people of the village leaving with parcels of kai every day and asked where they were taking it.

They replied, 'It is for your ancestress, for Murirangawhenua.'

He asked where she lived and told them he would deliver her food from no on.

But Maui never delivered her kai, and this he did for many days.

At last, Murirangawhenua suspected that something was wrong, and the next time he came along the path carrying the present of food, the old chieftainess sniffed and sniffed until she thought she smelt something coming.

She asked Maui who he was and if he came from the north, south, east or west. He told her the west and she knew that he was a descendant of hers.

She asked Maui why he hadn't delivered her food,

Maui answered that he would give her kai if she would gift him her magical jawbone.

So Murirangawhenua gifted Maui her magical jawbone in exchange for kai.

Maui took it, and used it to fish up Aotearoa and to slow the sun.

Made from perspex and stainless steel hooks.

Measures 4cm x 8cm.