Rei Niho Paraoa (sperm whale tooth pendant)

This unusual rei niho paraoa (ivory neck pendant) is made from sperm whale ivory. The proximal base has been ground flat and the edges notched. Two suspension holes, not visible from the front, have been bored from the top through to the rear of the pendant. The large, convex, bulbous body tapers to a narrow, forward thrusting distal tip with a face etched into it. Two small nodules evident on the front centre of the body are thought to be breasts or nipples.The side edges of the pendant are also notched.

Origin
Believed to have been collected in the north Auckland region, this pendant is similar in form to others found at the Wairau Bar 'Moa Hunter' archaeological site. However, this particular taonga may be the only example of its type with completely finished surface decoration.

Prestigious and rare
Rei puta are a prestigious form of personal adornment throughout the Pacific. Because sperm whales were not actively hunted in traditional Māori society, whale ivory and bone were sourced from beached whales. For this reason rei puta made from whale ivory remain relatively rare and are under-represented in museum collections in New Zealand and around the world.