{"product_id":"akatore-niho-taniwha-carved-by-hemi","title":"Akatore Niho Taniwha - carved by Hemi","description":"\u003ch1\u003eAkatore Niho Taniwha\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAkatore Niho Taniwha is a taonga representing protection, strength, guardianship, and connection.\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-carved by 16-year-old Māori carver Hemi Smiler Smith, this piece draws inspiration from the niho taniwha design, representing the power, wisdom, and protective nature associated with taniwha in Māori tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Niho Taniwha design celebrates the tooth of the taniwha, traditionally associated with strength, protection, and guardianship. This taonga honours the stories and significance of taniwha and their connection to our waterways, whenua, and communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarved from genuine \u003cstrong\u003eAkatore stone (Rhodonite)\u003c\/strong\u003e sourced from Akatore Bay, this taonga showcases the stone's distinctive natural colours and markings. Its beautiful variations of colour and texture give each piece its own individual character, making every carving unique. Formed naturally over time, the stone carries a connection to the landscapes of Aotearoa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery stage of the carving process is completed by Hemi with patience, purpose, and respect for the stone. From selecting and shaping through to grinding, polishing, and finishing, each step is carried out by hand with attention to detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe binding is hand-completed by Hemi himself using waxed polyester cord, carefully finished to create a strong and lasting connection between the stone and its wearer. This finished taonga represents the strength and protective symbolism of the niho taniwha design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🔹 \u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Genuine Akatore Rhodonite\u003cbr\u003e🔹 \u003cstrong\u003eStone Origin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Akatore Bay, Aotearoa New Zealand\u003cbr\u003e🔹 \u003cstrong\u003eDesign:\u003c\/strong\u003e Niho Taniwha (Taniwha Tooth)\u003cbr\u003e🔹 \u003cstrong\u003eMeaning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Protection, strength, guardianship, and connection\u003cbr\u003e🔹 \u003cstrong\u003eBinding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Waxed polyester cord, hand-bound by the carver\u003cbr\u003e🔹 \u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-polished to reveal the stone's natural colour, depth, and character\u003cbr\u003e🔹 \u003cstrong\u003eCarver:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hemi Smiler Smith, 16-year-old Māori carver\u003cbr\u003e🔹 \u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-carved in Ōtautahi, Aotearoa New Zealand\u003cbr\u003e🔹 \u003cstrong\u003eOne-of-a-kind:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural variations make every taonga unique\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether worn as a symbol of personal strength, gifted as a meaningful expression of protection, or treasured as a connection to Māori tradition and the natural landscapes of Aotearoa, this Akatore Niho Taniwha carries its own unique character and story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCreated with intention. Worn with meaning.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExclusively available through Te Toki Toru Pounamu.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Whakapakari Ora Wahine Wellness","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50989958037643,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/9685\/3643\/files\/IMG_2965.jpg?v=1793350024","url":"https:\/\/whakapakariora.com\/products\/akatore-niho-taniwha-carved-by-hemi","provider":"Whakapakari Ora Wahine Wellness","version":"1.0","type":"link"}