This intricately carved Rei Niho pendant is crafted from natural whale bone, showcasing warm ivory tones with natural shading and organic grain unique to the material. The surface features detailed hand-carved koru patterns, symbolising growth and movement, while the striking pāua shell inlays create luminous eyes that catch the light beautifully. Natural tonal variations within the bone enhance the authenticity and individuality of the piece.
Rei Niho(Eye Tooth) carved from Whale Bone, maintains the beauty of the traditional form, symbolising the intimate connection between Māori 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. from
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 stranding’s 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.
Traditionally carved from Genuine Whale bone - Ethically sourced from Banks Peninsular (Te Pataka o Rakaihautū)
Hand Carved by Moko Workshop
Size 60mm long x 25mm wide x 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.
