I've decided to teach myself bone carving. Its something I've wanted to do for a while and I've been slowly aquiring the hand tools for it. I've been at home with the flu for the last two days, and since I hate being in bed all day (just can't do it), I've roughed out my first peice. I spent an hour or two last night cleaning some fresh beef shanks, which included scraping, removal of marrow (Kaycees favourite part), soaking, bleaching, and drying. Today I roughed out a basic matau (fish hook) shape which symbolises abundance and plenty (and an easy form to start with). This is just the start. Now it needs sanding, engraving, polishing and of course braiding and whipping to hang it on.
7:04:53 PM 
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