Niho Shark Tooth

This is a Niho (tooth) carved from beautiful Pounamu with a light green base and darker patterning running throughout. It is 55mm long and features a hidden hole for the lashing. The lashing is a natural tan colour, sitting neatly over the top of the stone.

The Niho design symbolises the strength, determination, and resilience of the shark. A shark’s tooth is a reminder to face challenges head-on, to keep moving forward, and to never give up. In Māori tradition, the shark (mangō) is respected as a guardian of the sea and a symbol of protection. The tooth shape reflects these qualities, making this piece a taonga that can give courage and strength to the wearer.

I love how the hidden hole gives a clean, uninterrupted line to this piece, allowing the natural beauty of the stone to stand out. The combination of light green and darker patterns gives a sense of depth and movement, much like the ocean itself.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Te Hononga Tuku Iho

    Te Hononga Tuku Iho means “The Connection That Is Passed Down.” It reflects the way these pieces carry both memory and whakapapa forward through the whānau. This commission transformed two forgotten pieces of Pounamu into a collection that can be shared among family members, each piece carrying a lasting connection to someone they loved. This…

  • Niho Whenua o Akaroa

    Niho Whenua o Akaroa speaks to whakapapa, place, and the strength that comes from deep connection to whenua. This taonga was carved as a Christmas gift from a daughter to her mother, carrying with it the mother’s strong ancestral ties to Akaroa and the surrounding whenua. The name reflects this connection — niho as a…

  • |

    Head Students Niho 2024

    As the year draws to a close, I’ve had the honour of creating a special set of taonga to recognise the contributions of the head students at my kura. This set of five Niho, carved from a single piece of Kawakawa Pounamu sourced from South Westland, embodies the connection these leaders have shared with each…

  • Kokopu Pounamu Niho

    This Niho pendant, crafted from Kokopu Pounamu from the Arahura River, measures 45mm in length. The stone, with its distinct speckled pattern reminiscent of the native Kokopu fish, captures the spirit of Aotearoa’s natural beauty. The deep greens and unique markings of Kokopu Pounamu make each piece truly one-of-a-kind, reflecting the environment from which it…

  • Akaroa Niho

    In the realm of wearable art, the power and beauty of simplicity often speak volumes. The Niho pendant, carved from the Akaroa Harbour’s basalt, is a testament to this timeless truth. In this piece, we explore a pendant that is not only a stunning accessory but also a bearer of profound cultural significance and a…