A common and simple pendant form, the ripi or small knife-blade once served as a practical Maori tool for the accomplishment of small everyday tasks, such as cutting cords or stripping fibres for weaving. This little ripi pendant has been carved from an unusually glassy example of pale, inanga-hued kokopu or trout jade, taken from a cobble originally sourced from the Arahura River. It's slender, extremely lightweight and only cosmetically sharp - so it's not going to cut the wearer, even if it looks like it wants to!
 
Measuring in at 87mm long and 33mm wide at its widest point, this is a gorgeously pale and glossy piece that will stand out beautifully against any form of darkly-coloured outfit - be that a business suit or that 'little black dress' you've been wanting something to go with.