Measurements: 150 mm or 15 cm width by 40 mm or 4 cm length.

Black wax cord plaited adjustable to size.
Packaging: Black leather bound box with white inner pad.
A wooden breastplate carved in the form or spirit of Tāwhirimātea carries profound spiritual and ancestral meaning in te ao Māori. Tāwhirimātea is the atua (deity) of wind, weather, storms, and tempests — a powerful force of nature who embodies emotion, resistance, and unseen strength.
Who is Tāwhirimātea?
Son of Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (Earth Mother).
When his siblings separated their parents to bring light into the world, Tāwhirimātea opposed them — responding with storms, gales, and lightning.
In grief and rage, he tore out his eyes and cast them into the sky, becoming the Matariki star cluster.
Spiritual Meaning of a Tāwhirimātea Breastplate (Carved from Wood)
Power of Unseen Forces
Tāwhirimātea rules over the invisible elements — wind, breath, spirit (wairua).
A breastplate representing him channels unseen strength, spiritual force, and emotional depth.
Worn close to the chest, it symbolizes the internal storm — both grief and resilience.
Eyes of Matariki
The story of Tāwhirimātea's eyes becoming stars gives the breastplate celestial meaning.
It may serve as a kaitiaki (guardian) during Matariki – the Māori New Year – and times of remembrance and renewal.
Wood Element – Grounding Energy
Carved from native wood, the breastplate embodies Papatūānuku, adding grounding energy to balance Tāwhirimātea’s volatile winds.
The wood's natural grain and life force (mauri) deepen the spiritual connection of the taonga.
Protection and Resistance
As a breastplate (a form of armor), it represents protection of the heart, soul, and wairua.
A tribute to standing strong in the face of emotional or spiritual battles, just as Tāwhirimātea resisted the separation of his parents.
A wooden Tāwhirimātea breastplate is a powerful taonga that embodies the spirit of the winds, the force of emotion, and resistance against adversity. Worn over the chest, it protects and honors the Wairua, invokes the strength of unseen forces, and connects the wearer to the sacred cycle of Matariki and the breath of life.