Measurement: 150mm or 15 cm length by 150 mm width 15 cm

Black wax cord plaited adjustable to size.

Packaging:  Black leather bound box with white inner pad.

A wooden stingray carving – often referred to as a Whai in te reo Māori – carries rich meaning rooted in strength, grace, and adaptability. When carved from wood, especially native timbers like tōtara, it not only holds spiritual symbolism but also reflects a deep connection to Tangaroa, the god of the sea.
Māori Name: Whai
(Also known as "Rai" or "Raihana" in some iwi dialects, but "Whai" is widely used)
Spiritual and Symbolic Meanings of a Wooden Whai (Stingray)
Protection and Defense
The stingray appears passive, gliding gently through the water — yet it is equipped with a sharp tail used only when threatened.
Symbolizes quiet strength, defense, and inner power.
A carved wooden Whai may be worn or placed in a space to guard against hidden threats or negative energy.
Adaptability and Flow
The stingray's movements are smooth, effortless, and in harmony with ocean currents.
Represents grace under pressure, adaptability, and going with the natural flow of life.
Encourages staying grounded while navigating change — especially fitting in times of transition or uncertainty.
Balance and Duality
The top and underside of a stingray are distinct, symbolizing duality — light and dark, seen and unseen.
This makes the Whai a symbol of awareness and balance between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Connection to Tangaroa
As a creature of the sea, the Whai is closely tied to Tangaroa, atua of the ocean.
A wooden carving of a stingray acknowledges ancestral ties to the moana (sea) and respect for marine life as taonga (treasures).
Wooden Carving – Additional Layer of Meaning
Carving from native wood adds the mauri (life force) of the tree to the taonga.
Wood represents Papatūānuku (Earth Mother), creating a powerful connection between land and sea — Whai (Tangaroa) and the timber (Papatūānuku).
A wooden Whai (stingray) carving represents protection, adaptability, and spiritual balance. It moves with calm purpose but holds hidden strength. When carved from native wood, it embodies the harmony between land and sea, and honors the guardianship of Tangaroa.