Niho Tūhono

Niho Tūhono means “the tooth that connects”. Tūhono is about linking, joining, and creating connection, which is the heart of this taonga. This name speaks to the bond shared between the couple, and to the way this piece continues the Niho pattern from her tattoo, linking her story with her partner’s.

I carved this 5cm Niho as a commission, created to honour that shared meaning and the relationship it represents. this 5cm Niho as a commission, created to honour the connection between two people and the patterns they carry with them. The name, Niho Tūhono, speaks to that purpose. Tūhono means to link, to join, to connect. This taonga strengthens a bond already expressed in her tattoo, where the Niho pattern appears as part of her story. By choosing this shape for her partner, she has extended that pattern outward, creating a shared symbol between them.

The Niho shape is known for symbolising strength, protection, and determination. It carries the idea of holding fast, standing firm, and meeting challenges with purpose. As a gift between partners, this meaning becomes personal. It becomes a reminder of the way they support one another and the strength they find together.

I carved this piece from Marsden flower jade, a beautiful Pounamu known for its deep green base and bright yellow-gold flower-like inclusions. This stone is especially translucent, and when held to the light the gold tones glow inside it. That inner brightness makes the taonga feel alive, as if the stone is carrying its own warmth. Across the top is a three-hole ring-bolt lashing in black, simple and strong.

Working on Niho Tūhono was a privilege. Pieces like this remind me how powerful shared symbols can be. They become anchors in a relationship’s story, something carried close and worn with meaning.