New Zealand Pounamu Niho Form Pendant with Unaunahi

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Pounamu Tooth (Niho)
The Niho (Tooth) design depicts the ocean’s most powerful creatures.In Māori culture, whales were considered gifts of the ocean and believed to be treasures cast onto the beach by Tangaroa (god of the sea). Sharks also play a role in Māori mythology and are symbolic of guardianship, trust and protection.
Tooth Packaging

Gift, with love

Every detail of our packaging is thoughtfully curated, from sustainable, low-ink, recyclable materials to personalised touches like mini-meaning cards and artist profiles. For an extra special touch, our Premium Gift Wrapping service means we wrap your piece in elegant kraft paper, tied with natural string and a woven jute ribbon.
Man wearing pounamu tooth.

Tamaora Walker

Tamaora WalkerThe artist behind this creationPerhaps it’s a trick of the light that lends translucence to Tamaora’s work. Or maybe this glow is evidence of an ancient Māori belief that pounamu lives and breathes. Tamaora regards pounamu with reverence and respect born of his Māori heritage, with traditional forms and symbolism deeply influencing his designs. Tamaora is from Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāti Rangitihi. He has also exhibited overseas and studied the work of international carvers.

A talisman connected to Māori mythology, the Niho symbolises strength, leadership and resilience, and is commonly associated with two animals - the whale and the shark.

Man holding pounamu niho tooth

Niho (Tooth)

Traditionally, whale teeth are important cultural objects throughout the Pacific. When a whale washed up onto the shores, Māori would use its meat as food, the blubber as preserving oil, and the bones and teeth were carved into adornments and weaponry. Mako (shark tooth adornments) were also highly esteemed and treasured by Māori and often worn from the ear. Today, we carve whale and shark necklaces from beautiful pieces of greenstone to continue with tradition and connect people with their history, heritage and land.

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Niho (Tooth) Necklaces

Man in forest wearing pounamu tooth
man with brown t shirt wearing pounamu tooth
jade stones

Why Choose Pounamu

If you're looking for a reason to buy something meaningful, and haven't quite made your mind up yet, here are some reasons to gift pounamu. From supporting local artists to the deep meaning associated with the stone, pounamu is a truly amazing gift to give.
Every piece is one-of-a-kind
Our pieces are handcrafted with love
A gift that will last
Forever connected with a loved one
Supporting local artists

Our Promise

Hand carved
Hand carved
Smooth lines, soft finishes, no scratches and no cuts.
Sustainable packaging
Sustainable packaging
Wherever possible we use sustainable packaging.
Gift wrapping
Gift wrapping
We offer a Premium Gift Wrapping service.
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Free shipping
On all domestic orders.

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