Peter Bishop
New Zealand
Peter Bishop comes from the wild, west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. He is one of New Zealand’s best known and most skilled master carvers and works mostly in the very rare and exotic flower, Pounamu, (New Zealand Jade), creating designs with an extraordinary aura of power and beauty.
He lives with his wife in Holkitika, the centre of the Pounamu district of the west coast. Not only is he well known in the community for his skill but he is also highly respected as a leader and strong advocate for the preservation of ancient crafts. His designs often reflect what he believes is hidden inside a particular piece of Pounamu or what it tells him he should see.
Peter’s work is very traditional in form but carries with it his unmistakable flair for design, making carvings by this master instantly recognizable world wide.
Works by this Artist (Present + Past + Public)
Present Works
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Hei-Matau Pendant
Peter Bishop
CA$940.00New Zealand Jade
Hei-Matau represents prosperity, abundance and fertility. The wearer of a Hei-Matau is seen as a provider and protector who is strong willed and determined to succeed in life. They are worn to protect travelers over water, and are also symbols of power and authority which are held in great reverence by the Maori people. They were used practically as a tool for fishing and often decorated as a sign of respect for sea creatures.
