Te Niho Tupuna

Description

This whānau taonga takes the form of a Niho Taniwha carved from Kawakawa Pounamu and carries the name Te Niho Tupuna — the tooth of the ancestors.

The niho shape symbolises a fragment of something powerful, representing the enduring strength passed down through whakapapa. Just as a tooth carries the presence and power of the creature it came from, this taonga reflects the idea that the strength of the ancestors continues to live within the present generation.

Te Niho Tupuna speaks to the deep connection between past and present. It acknowledges that the wearer stands within a long lineage of people whose courage, resilience, and wisdom have shaped the path forward. The taonga becomes a reminder that this inherited strength is always present, carried quietly but powerfully through whakapapa.

The stone itself is a striking piece of Kawakawa Pounamu, carved with generous depth that gives the taonga a strong, weighty presence. At 75mm long it has real presence when worn. Subtle cloudy patterning moves through the deep green stone, and the edges glow beautifully when held to the light.

A hidden lashing point has been carved into the back of the piece so the cord emerges invisibly, leaving the front of the taonga completely clean. This allows the flowing curves and strong lines of the Niho Taniwha form to stand on their own.

Te Niho Tupuna is a taonga that speaks of whakapapa, inherited strength, and the enduring presence of those who came before. It carries the reminder that the power of the ancestors continues to live within us, shaping the journeys still ahead.

Size: 75mm

Material: Kawakawa Pounamu/Nephrite Jade

Location: Hokitika

Carver: Campbell Potter