Moko Pounamu Rei Puta Genuine Whale Tooth - Awahuri

This is an incredible large Rei Puta (Sperm Whale Tooth) hand carved from Whale Tooth, this is a vintage piece from the personal collection of Deane Moreton

Rei Puta are chiefly taonga traditionally carved from the teeth of Tohorā (whale). The mark of a high Chief was one who wore the Rei Puta (Pounamu whale tooth pendant), as the teeth of the sperm whale (Paraoa) were highly prized because of their rarity.

Tooth and 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

From the Deane Moreton Collection

Size 133mm long x 32mm wide x 27mm 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.