This is an incredible large Rei Puta (Sperm Whale Tooth). This is a rare vintage piece from the personal collection of Deane Moreton.
Rei Puta
are chiefly taonga traditionally carved from the teeth of Tohorā (whale).
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
From the Deane Moreton Collection
Size 97mm long x 40mm wide x 30mm 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.
