Rei Niho Pendant - Inanga & Raukaraka

Rei Niho - Īnanga & Raukaraka

The Pounamu Rei Niho (Eye Tooth) maintains the traditional form and symbolises the close bond between Māori and Tohorā. In ancient times, wearing a whale tooth pendant (rei niho) was a sign of high status among Chiefs. These teeth were prized for their rarity, as they came from the sperm whale (Paraoa). Due to the scarceness of actual whale teeth, people began creating replicas from other materials, such as this example carved from Pounamu.

Īnanga Pounamu The authentic West Coast Inanga Pounamu is named after a native New Zealand freshwater fish. Its appearance is pale and sometimes translucent, resembling the young Inanga fish. The stone varies from pearly white to grey-green, with levels of transparency from clear to opaque. Over time, it may develop a subtle olive hue as it ages and oxidizes. This treasured material holds great significance for Māori, traditionally used to craft Mere and Patu weapons.

Raukaraka Pounamu has striking yellow and orange tones that blend throughout the greens. Named after the native Karaka tree which has a yellowish tinge to its leaves and produces orange coloured berries.

Carved in Kirikiriroa from New Zealand Pounamu

Kai Whakairo/Carver: - Jeremy Walsh (Ngāti Maniapoto)    

Size: 82mm length x 39mm depth x 10mm depth 

Pounamu: Īnanga & Raukaraka