Large Niho pounamu
Dean Marjoribanks
$520.00
This product is currently sold out.
This taonga in the shape of the Niho was carved from inanga Pounamu from the Arahura Valley on the West Coast of Te Wai Pounamu; also known as the South Island, by Dean Marjoribanks of Te Whānau-a-Apanui in collaboration with Rona Ngāhuia Osborne. It measures approximately 90mmx45mm.
Hei Niho symbolise traditional whale tooth pendants worn by Māori chiefs and people of high-rank within early Māori society. The rarity of the taonga whale species meant it became common to carve the shape from other materials such as Pounamu, to showcase the mana (strength) of the Tohorā (whale). This shape speaks of the intimate connections between people and our environment; The interconnectedness of all life. Hei Niho have come to represent qualities of kaitiakitanga, or guardianship, strength, perception and leadership.
This piece is carved from Inanga Pounamu, which is known for its silvery or pearly-green characteristics, which develop and change with age and oxidation. Inanga takes its name from the native freshwater Galaxias maculatus or the common whitebait which were an important source of kai (food) for Māori across Aotearoa during annual whitebait migrations. The colour of Inanga Pounamu reflects the pale, transparent nature of Mata, or, young whitebait.