Rei Puta Okewa- Basalt Tooth Pendant Polished Matau Manaia are contemporary forms

Matau Manaia are contemporary forms that personify Tangaroa

This taonga was hand-carved by Alex Sands

It measures 100mm by 44mm and is bound with an adjustable hand-braided cord

This rei puta was carved by Jeremy Walsh from okewa sourced from Aotearoa New Zealand

Rei Puta Okewa- Basalt Tooth Pendant Polished Matau Manaia are contemporary formsOften considered descendants of Tangaroa, whales whakapapa to Mori and are highly regarded tpuna (ancestors) symbolising abundance and strength. Rei puta symbolise this connection, with the carver taking the form of the rei niho paroa (sperm whale tooth) and infusing it with their own inspiration. This rei puta was carved by Jeremy Walsh from okewa sourced from Aotearoa New Zealand, notched and engraved with unaunahi and inlaid with paua eyes. It