{"product_id":"nz-greenstone-niho-tooth-pendant-with-koru-53mm","title":"NZ Greenstone Niho Tooth Pendant with Koru - 53mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNZ Greenstone Niho Tooth Pendant with Koru.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCarver: Donna Summers from Greymouth.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe greenstone niho (tooth) design is thought to represent strength, leadership and resilience and its symbolism is commonly associated with two animals – the whale and the shark.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Māori culture, whales were considered gifts of the ocean and believed to be treasures cast onto the beach by Tangaroa (the great god of the sea).\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Fiji, tabua (sperm whale teeth) were used in negotiations between chiefs and gifted as a symbol of respect or to pay penance for wrongdoings.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn New Zealand the Rei Puta (whale tooth neck pendant) was fashioned by early settlers and thought to represent wisdom, mana and knowledge.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuch as many Māori adornments, the Rei Puta was not only decorative - it had ceremonial significance and was believed to be a talisman connected to Māori mythology. Mako (shark tooth adornments) were also highly esteemed and treasured by Māori and often worn from the ear.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSharks play a role in many Māori legends and have been symbolic throughout time of guardianship, trust and protection. It was thought that by wearing mako, or a replica carved from pounamu, you would be spiritually connected to the shark’s energy and take on its characteristics of ferocity, strength and persistence.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAs with other pounamu adornments it is also believed that when shark pendants are passed down through whanau (family), the strengths and traits of tūpuna (ancestors) would be passed on through the stone.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTraditionally the koru is said to represent new beginnings, growth and re-generation. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe know it symbolizes the fern frond seen in New Zealand’s native bush because of the native New Zealand people, the Maori, proverb that speaks of rebirth and growth: Ka hinga atu he tete-kura – ka hara-mai he tete-kura As one fern frond dies – one is born to take its place.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize Approx 53 H x 30mm W.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe photograph each piece but a slight colour variation may occur.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DONNA SUMMERS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67773355458692,"sku":"16802","price":200.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0384\/1271\/4116\/files\/161-DS72-C-1.jpg?v=1792636696","url":"https:\/\/creativetreasures.co.nz\/products\/nz-greenstone-niho-tooth-pendant-with-koru-53mm","provider":"Creative Treasures NZ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}