"Ancient Whispers" by Tamaora Walker, the recipient of the Highly Commended Award at the Rotorua Museum Art Awards 2026 for this piece of art.

Piece stands at: 200mm x 158mm (396mm x 200mm including stand).

In the dance of the Tirairaka, the fantail flits through shadow and light, a restless spirit weaving stories on the wind.

Ancient whispers take flight, rising from the whenua, carried on wings that remember every river bend, every hidden spring, every name spoken before the world grew loud.

Carved by Tamaora Walker in Pounamu's eternal embrace, the stone holds the bird mid-motion, the heart of the land made solid, the quiet promise that nothing truly sacred is ever lost.

This Taonga is a bridge, between yesterday's voice and tomorrow's eyes, and between the fleeting dance of life and the enduring strength of stone.

Keep it and let that Tirairaka keep whispering the stories that refuse to die.