Niho Pounamu

In Māori culture, whales held the significance of being oceanic gifts, believed to be precious offerings washed ashore by Tangaroa, the revered deity of the sea. When a whale washed up onto the shores, Māori would use various parts of the creature for distinct purposes; its flesh as sustenance, blubber as a preservative oil, and the bones and teeth as materials for crafting ornaments and weapons.