He Taonga
Medium: New Zealand jade and red nylon
Year: 2014
This carving was a finalist in the 2014 World of Wearable Art show. It was paraded in the show and is included in the 2014 catalogue. In 2015 WOW purchased this piece for the Historic WOW collection.
The title He Taonga means treasure in Maori and refers to the significance of the female breast as a form of natural nourishment and indicator of sexuality. Jade is often used in amulets as it is considered to spiritually protect the body. Here the breasts are given protection from possible harm especially from breast cancer.