Rei Puta – Anthony Brey-Heta

Rei Puta – Anthony Brey-Heta
Contemporary Māori Carving on Vintage Sperm Whale Tooth

This striking piece, Rei Puta, is a contemporary Māori carving by New Zealand artist Anthony Brey-Heta, created on a rare, vintage sperm whale tooth. The tooth—polished and inlaid with pāua shell—dates from the pre-1978 whaling era and originates from the historic Cheynes Beach Whaling Station in Albany, Western Australia.

Measuring 16 cm in length and weighing 336 grams, the work exemplifies Brey-Heta’s mastery of traditional Māori forms, expressed through a modern lens. The Rei Puta—a customary symbol in Māori culture—represents protection, strength, and deep connection to the ocean. The iridescent pāua shell inlay adds both visual richness and cultural significance, embodying the spirit and life force (mauri) of the natural materials used.

Combining ethically sourced historical material with authentic cultural craftsmanship, this piece is not only a powerful expression of Māori identity but also a unique and meaningful collector’s item.