Pekapeka-tou-roa with Kaihua (N.Z Long-tailed Bat with N.Z Native Jasmine)
Wall mounted sculpture - One of a Kind

Dimensions: Diameter: 175mm x 80mm deep (out from the wall)
Materials: Sterling Silver, Mother of Pearl Shell, 18ct Yellow Gold

I wanted to create this sculpture to raise awareness of the long-tailed bat, the Pekapeka-tou-roa. These bats are our only native land mammal here in New Zealand and I wanted to highlight just how precious and endangered they are. Originally there were three bat species that existed in N.Z, but only two survive today, the long-tailed bat and the lesser short tailed bat. For this sculpture I focused on the Pekapeka-tou-roa (Long-tailed Bat) as they are classed as ‘Nationally critical’ and are in danger of becoming extinct if we do not protect them and their natural habitat. Our native Jasmine, Kaihua, is also endangered and can be found in wetlands which is a common hunting ground for long-tailed bats who feed on insects hovering above the water.

The flowers on the native jasmine vine are carved by hand from Mother of Pearl Shell. Each flower is unique in shape and form. Some of the flowers are open exposing the flower stamen which I have crafted in 18ct yellow gold, others are uncurling buds. The Vine itself is hand crafted from x15 separate Sterling Silver elements which are then soldered together and composed in a way to portray life and movement. Like many of my jewellery pieces the Bat sculpture is carved as a full 3-dimensional object therefore there are details to view at every angle.

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