If you're looking for a reason to buy something meaningful, and haven't quite made your mind up yet, read our top 10 reasons to gift. From supporting local artists, to the deep meaning associated to the stone.
Our Promise
Hand carved
Smooth lines, soft finishes, no scratches and no cuts.
Sustainable packaging
Wherever possible we use sustainable packaging.
Gift wrapping
We offer a Premium Gift Wrapping service.
Free shipping
On all domestic orders.
The Niho is a symbol of guardianship, trust and protection.
The Niho (Tooth) design depicts the ocean’s most powerful creatures.In Māori culture, whales were considered gifts of the ocean and believed to be treasures cast onto the beach by Tangaroa (god of the sea). Sharks also play a role in Māori mythology and are symbolic of guardianship, trust and protection.
Gift, with love
Every detail of our packaging is thoughtfully curated, from sustainable, low-ink, recyclable materials to personalised touches like mini-meaning cards and artist profiles. For an extra special touch, our Premium Gift Wrapping service means we wrap your piece in elegant kraft paper, tied with natural string and a woven jute ribbon.
Andrew McGregor
The artist behind this creationAndrew began his journey with jade and hard-stone carving in 2005. Carving pounamu has been a transformative and enduring journey for Andrew, guiding him on a path of self-discovery, and connecting him deeply with his heritage and homeland. As an artist of part Ngāi Tahu descent, originally hailing from the scenic West Coast of the South Island, he now resides in Christchurch where he works as a pounamu carver and artist.
A talisman connected to Māori mythology, the Niho symbolises strength, leadership and resilience, and is commonly associated with two animals - the whale and the shark.
Niho (Tooth)
Traditionally, whale teeth are important cultural objects throughout the Pacific. When 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. Mako (shark tooth adornments) were also highly esteemed and treasured by Māori and often worn from the ear. Today, we carve whale and shark necklaces from beautiful pieces of greenstone to continue with tradition and connect people with their history, heritage and land.