This Framed Wall Art Tuatara is a beautiful piece of New Zealand art, framed behind glass.
The native Tuatara is the only living fossil in the world. All its relatives died over 60 million years ago.
Tuatara are cold-blooded reptiles. They shed their skin like a snake once a year, can regrow their tails, range in colour from green to brown and orange, can change colour over their lifetime, and can hold their breath for nearly an hour! On average they live for 60 years.
Tuatara are nocturnal, preferring to forage for food - mainly insects, lizards, and sea bird eggs. They feature in a number of Maori legends, and are held up as ariki (God forms). Today, the protected Tuatara is regarded as a taonga (treasure).
This beautiful carving was designed by Mike Carlton, who is of Ngati Whakaue descent, and has affiliations to the Hinemoa Point Marae in Rotorua, New Zealand.
The carving was created in New Zealand from plantation grown hardwood embellished with New Zealand Paua (abalone) Shell. The frame is native New Zealand Rimu. The artwork is a contemporary representation of the tuatara.
Size is 21.8 x 17 x 3cm (8 5/8 x 6 3/4 x 1 1/8'). There's a hook on the back and a stand, so it is ready to either hang on the wall or stand on a coffee table, mantlepiece, or office desk or reception. It has a glass front.
All the details about the carving are printed on the back of the frame, making this a great gift to anyone, be it friend, family, school, or business gift.
Proudly designed and made in New Zealand.
