Rei Puta/Whale Tooth Necklace
Rei Puta/Whale Tooth Necklace
Representing wisdom strength and knowledge a Rei Puta is a symbolic treasure hailing from the ocean realm – a beautifully carved whale's tooth from gorgeous NZ Pounamu that carries profound meaning and cultural significance. This exquisite artifact holds a special place in the hearts of many, embodying stories of the sea and the majestic creatures that inhabit it. Crafted with care and special attention focused on form, a Rei Puta is a tangible link to a world of tradition and heritage, inviting you to explore the depths of its symbolism and history. Discover the enchanting allure of a Rei Puta, where craftsmanship and nature's wonders unite in a single, mesmerizing piece. New Zealand Pounamu is exclusively found in the West Coast of the South Island in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Stone: Pounamu
Cord:Black Plaited Cord
Dimensions: 85mm x 45mm approx.
Meanings Behind the Designs
Different types of Pounamu from New Zealand.
There are many different types of pounamu found throughout New Zealand. It is predominantly found on the west coast of the South Island. Pounamu has a special place in Maori culture and was used in all parts of their lives from making tools, weapons and Jewellery.
Kawakawa: This is named after the leaves of the pepperwood tree. This bright to dark green with black spots and inclusions.
Inanga: Is named after young whitebait, which is a small translucent native fish. the stone can be from a very pale green to almost white this to has very translucent qualities.
Totoweka: A weka is a native flightless bird. The name of this basically means “blood of the weka”. It’s a rare form of pounamu speckled or streaked with red through the stone.
Tahutahi: Also known as snow flake this is a bright coloured green, kind of stone with white cloud or snow-like inclusions
Kahurangi: Very rare in New Zealand, Kaurangi is a jewellery grade carving stone, that is generally a rich green with no inclusions.
Kokopu: Is named after the native trout. A light-coloured opaque stone with obvious brown inclusions.
Tangiwai: This stone is actually a bowenite not nephrite like the other Pounamu mentioned in this description. however, it is still regarded as pounamu.
Raukarakara: “Flower jade”, named after the blossom of the Karaka tree. Is found only in the Marsden area of the west coast of the South Island. This stone has stunning inclusions and different colours flowing through the stone.