Moko Pounamu Rei Puta Genuine Sperm Whale Tooth Carving - Whanarua

Rare and Special! An incredible, large Rei Puta Sperm Whale Tooth, hand carved with 3 Taniwha in a swirling dance. By one of New Zealand and the world’s most recognised carvers Owen Mapp CNZM and signed and dated 2024.

Taniwha can represent both powerful guardians of specific regions or people and dangerous, malevolent monsters. They are often associated with water, inhabiting deep pools in rivers, caves, and the sea, and can be seen as supernatural entities that both protect and challenge humans. Their dual nature makes them a symbol of the unpredictable power of nature, capable of both nurturing and destroying.

Rei Puta are chiefly taonga traditionally carved from the teeth of Tohorā (whale). Rei Niho carved from pounamu maintains the beauty of the traditional form, symbolising the intimate connection between Maori and Tohorā.

Whale Bone has always been a special medium for Māori artists, Whales are considered a taonga species, and represent abundance, richness and were regarded as chiefly animals. Some tribes see whales as the descendants of Tangaroa, the god of the ocean and strandings are seen as gifts from Tangaroa and carving them is a way of honouring that gift. Whales possess a tapu (sacred) significance to Māori as both supernatural beings and as harbingers of personal change and spiritual growth.

Genuine Whale Tooth - Ethically sourced from Kapiti Island.

Carved by Owen Mapp CNZM

Size 203mm long x 67mm wide x 42mm thick

Base 171mm wide x 130mm deep x 40mm thick

Total height 243mm

Displayed on a Rimu wood base

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.