Swallow Bird retailer Brooch, Hand Carved Bone Breastpin, New Zealand Welcome Swallow Clasp, Warou

Swallow Bird Brooch, Hand Carved Bone Breastpin by Tuwharetoa Bone

WAROU (New Zealand Welcome Swallow)

Swallow brooches, as well as other jewelry bearing the image of a swallow, were often given to loved ones when the giver set out on a long journey, as a charm to keep them safe until their return, and to guide the giver home. In essence, the symbol of the swallow often meant, 'to safely return home'.

The welcome swallow (Hirundo neoxena – or warou in Māori), is a frequent visitor around the shores of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. With its rapid, retailer darting flight patterns, its vibrant navy blue, rust and cream plumage and its forked tail, it is a distinct and welcome visitor, hence its name; they were named ‘welcome swallows' because they appeared in southern Australia as a herald of spring.

• Height: 7cm
• Width: 4cm
• Depth: 0.5cm
• Weight: 5 Grams
• New Zealand born Artist and Designer