Hapopo Pounamu Niho Taniwha

This Hapopo Niho Taniwha is a taonga honouring the strength, protection, and guardianship of taniwha—the powerful beings deeply connected to Māori traditions and the waterways of Aotearoa. Hand-carved by 16-year-old Māori carver Hemi Smiler Smith, this piece celebrates the traditional niho (tooth) form, representing strength, leadership, resilience, and determination.

The Niho Taniwha design takes inspiration from the tooth of a taniwha, a form associated with power and guardianship. Its distinctive shape features a broad upper section that gradually tapers into a curved point, creating a strong and flowing profile.

Carved from A-Grade Hapopo stone, this taonga showcases deep natural green tones with darker variations running throughout the surface. The natural patterning gives the stone its own individual character, highlighting the beauty and uniqueness of the material.

Every stage of the carving process is completed by Hemi with patience, purpose, and respect for the stone. From shaping and grinding through to polishing and finishing, each step is carried out by hand with attention to detail.

The binding is hand-completed using black cord, carefully secured through three binding points along the upper section of the niho. Finished with a braided black necklace, the binding complements the darker tones within the stone and provides a clean, balanced finish.

🔹 Material: A-Grade Hapopo
🔹 Design: Niho Taniwha (Taniwha Tooth)
🔹 Meaning: Strength, leadership, resilience, and guardianship
🔹 Dimensions: 55 × 35 × 9 mm
🔹 Colour: Natural dark green with darker variations
🔹 Binding: Black cord, three-point binding with braided necklace
🔹 Finish: Hand-polished to reveal the stone's natural depth and character
🔹 Carver: Hemi Smiler Smith, 16-year-old Māori carver
🔹 Origin: Hand-carved in Ōtautahi, Aotearoa New Zealand
🔹 One-of-a-kind: Natural variations make every taonga unique

Whether worn as a personal reminder of strength and protection, gifted to someone special, or treasured as a connection to Māori culture and tradition, this A-Grade Hapopo Niho Taniwha carries its own distinctive character and story.

Created with intention. Worn with meaning.

Exclusively available through Te Toki Toru Pounamu.