Little Shop of Taonga

27/07/2026

Hei Marakihau
https://littleshopoftaonga.myshopify.com/products/large-pounamu-marakihau?utm_campaign=share_orders&utm_content=android&utm_medium=product-links

27/07/2026

The Blessing
4 of 4
(WARNING) Horror scenes.

15/07/2026

THE BLESSING
Part 3 of 4
The journey home

11/07/2026

THE BLESSING
Part 2 of 4

04/07/2026

A short film.

24/06/2026

16/06/2026

In the world of Māori tradition, the Marakihau is a powerful taniwha of the sea — a guardian of the ocean, a being of immense mana. Those "follow me" eyes? They never let go. They watch. They protect. They draw you in.

This piece is carved from Labradorite — a stone that holds the aurora within it. Flip it in the light and watch it shift from deep blues and purples to golden yellows. No photo can truly capture it (trust us, we've tried 📸).

🌿 Size: 11cm 🎁 Comes in a wooden scented gift box 🇳🇿 Crafted in Aotearoa

Whether you're drawn to its beauty or its story — this one is special, and carved on both sides.

👉 Link in bio to bring this taonga home. https://littleshopoftaonga.myshopify.com/collections/new-in/products/xlarge-labradorite-marakihausea-serpent

13/06/2026

The twin guardians who led Kupe into the Hokianga

In the ancient stories of Te Hokianga‑nui‑a‑Kupe, our ancestor Kupe did not arrive alone. As he navigated the vast Moana‑nui‑a‑Kiwa, two powerful marakihau — sea guardians with the bodies of taniwha and the breath of the deep ocean — rose from the currents to guide him safely to Aotearoa.

These marakihau travelled ahead of his waka, clearing the path, calming the waters, and protecting Kupe from the unknown. When he finally reached the Hokianga Harbour, he named it “Te Puna i te Ao Marama” — the place where he would depart, leaving the marakihau behind as kaitiaki for all who would follow.

This double-sided carving honours each of the two ancient guardians — embodiments of protection, guidance, and the deep relationship between our people and the moana.

🟢 Hand‑carved pounamu -- Poutini | Serpentine variety
🟢 Marakihau form — flowing, protective, ancestral
🟢 A tribute to Kupe’s journey and the kaitiaki who led the way

If this taonga speaks to you, or you feel a connection to the story of guidance, navigation, and protection, this piece carries that wairua.

Available now at Little Shop of Taonga.

Pounamu variety-(Poutini | serpentine) Size- 10cm x 7cm Large thick solid Marakihau with bone inclusions and kokopu(trout) colouring A Marakihau is a legendary sea creature and a powerful taniwha in Māori pūrākau (stories) and traditional whakairo (carving). Recognised as a guardian of the ocean,...