Pekapeka | Sterling Silver and New Zealand Jade Long Tailed Bat

Pekapeka | Sterling Silver and New Zealand Jade Long Tailed Bat
 
This sterling silver pendant carved and finished by Maddy features the Pekapeka, New Zealand’s endemic long-tailed bat, shown with open wings in a simple, flowing design.
The body of the bat is formed by a hand-carved New Zealand jade cabochon, adding natural warmth and contrast to the silver.
 
Cast using the lost-wax method, each piece carries its own subtle variations and character.
This design can be customised in different alloys such as bronze or gold, and set with alternative stones to suit your preference.
 
The Pekapeka, or long-tailed bat, is one of Aotearoa’s only native land mammals and a species of high conservation importance. These tiny bats weigh only about 8–11 grams and can fly at remarkable speeds, using echolocation to navigate dense forest at night. They play a crucial ecological role as insect controllers, consuming large numbers of moths, beetles, mosquitoes, and other flying insects.
 
Once common across the country, Pekapeka populations have declined due to habitat loss, predators, and changes in forest ecosystems. Today they are considered nationally critical, making their presence in the landscape both rare and significant. Their survival depends on healthy forests, predator control, and the protection of old trees where they roost.
 
In Māori tradition, the Pekapeka is regarded as a taonga and is associated with intuition, guidance, and the unseen world. As a species that thrives in darkness yet maintains delicate balance within the forest, it stands as a reminder of the fragile and interconnected nature of Aotearoa’s ecosystems.
 
Size:
Made of: Sterling silver
Stone: New Zealand Green Jade cabochon (other stones available)
Cord: Adjustable cord
 
Please Note:
Because each piece is handcrafted, slight variations in texture, details, and stone settings may occur, making every pendant one-of-a-kind. The piece you receive may differ slightly from the one pictured.
If you would like additional photos of our current stock, feel free to contact us via our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.