A stunning Rei Niho pendant carved from Kahotea Pounamu, this carving by Dave Curtis has a beautiful texture applied to the top of the piece which is lighter in colour due to being closer to the rind of the greenstone. As well as delicate lines across the face of the tooth, the edges have fine serrations evenly carved along them, showing the extraordinary skill of the carver. The pendant is finished with a Pounamu toggle on the cord - this is a wonderful taonga
Rei Niho(Eye Tooth) carved from pounamu, maintains the beauty of the traditional form, symbolising the intimate connection between Maori and Tohorā. The mark of a high Chief was one who wore the rei niho (whale tooth pendant), as the teeth of the sperm whale (Paraoa) were highly prized because of their rarity. With actual whale teeth being such a rarity, it became common to fashion the tooth form from other materials such as this example created from Pounamu.
Kahotea
– Pounamu from the Greenstone, West Coast area. A type streaked or flecked with white. The name Kahotea derives from Kaho, meaning light coloured tea (white or clear).
Putiputi (Flower) Jade- is New Zealand’s most prized Greenstone, with pale green or ochre clouds of colour. This distinctive patterning and colouring come from the outside rim or 'rind' of the greenstone boulders or stones where the surface has oxidised.
Moko Pounamu- for over 40 years Moko Pounamu has both supported and contributed to the life and breath of Pounamu Carving in Aotearoa New Zealand. The extraordinary and varied qualities of this stone, also known as Greenstone (and more technically Nephrite Jade), is displayed across our range of carvings and jewellery. We are proud to support the work of many talented craftspeople local to our beautiful country, and we love sharing this range with you.
Hand Carved by Dave Curtis
Size 84mm long x 28mm wide 10mm thick
This will be the exact piece you will receive in the photos. There may be a slight degree of colour variation based on different computer or device screen resolutions that you are viewing from.
