Value. The South Island Ngāi Tahu people have a particularly close relationship with pounamu, which is found only within their tribal area. It is valued for its strength, durability and beauty.
Why is pounamu so special?
Significance to Māori
Pounamu plays a very important role in Māori culture and is a taonga (treasure). It is and has been an important part of trade between the South Island Ngāi Tahu iwi (tribe) and other iwi. … These were often reworked into hei tiki and other taonga when they were no longer useful for carving wood.
Does pounamu need to be blessed?
Its customary to bless a Pounamu before wearing it! This tradition not just begins with Pounamu, but is an integral part of the Maori culture.
Is it bad luck to buy your own pounamu?
And this tradition of gifting pounamu as a symbol of our respect, admiration or love for another continues today. However whether you are buying a pounamu taonga for a loved one or yourself, you will be ok. It will not bring you bad luck. You are not disrespecting any ancient cultural practises or traditions.
Can I wear a pounamu?
Wear your Pounamu against your skin as often as possible. It will naturally absorb oils from your skin that will help maintain its polish and it will become a holder of your wairua. Your taonga can be oiled with any natural household oils or fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil or tallow.
Why do Kiwis wear greenstone?
Traditionally, pounamu, or greenstone, is regarded as a talisman. Māori designs and symbols carved in pounamu carry spiritual significance. More than just a beautiful art form, pounamu can represent ancestors, connection with the natural world, or attributes such as strength, prosperity, love, and harmony.
How is pounamu used today?
Today, people sometimes use a helicopter to lift a pounamu boulder from a river bed. Carvers use diamond-tipped tools to cut and shape the stone, which is made into souvenirs and art objects.
Is greenstone valuable?
Imbued with spiritual significance to New Zealand’s Indigenous tribes, pounamu – otherwise known as greenstone or New Zealand jade – is highly prized. For centuries Māori have fashioned it into jewellery, tools and even weapons, which could denote status or be used as ceremonial objects or symbols of peace agreements.
Is NZ greenstone the same as Jade?
Pounamu, greenstone and New Zealand jade are all names for the same hard, durable highly valued stone, used for making adornments, tools and weapons. Each name is used by different groups: Pounamu is the traditional Māori name. Greenstone is a common term, but increasingly it is being replaced by pounamu.
How do you spot a greenstone?
Keep an eye out for a stone that’s dark green in colour. Also look for yellow and orange flecks or pearly white tones. Raukaraka pounamu, for example, takes its name from the yellowish tinges found in the leaves of the karaka tree. Avoid getting duped.
What are Māori necklaces called?
The hei-tiki (/heɪˈtɪki/) is an ornamental pendant of the Māori of New Zealand. Hei-tiki are usually made of pounamu (greenstone), and are considered a taonga (treasure) by Māori.
What does Toki mean?
The Toki (Adze) is a symbol of strength, determination, and courage in times of adversity. The shape represents a tool often used by Maori for carving, shaping, and weaponry and was originally used for practical purposes.
What does a double Koru mean?
The entwined Double Koru is a Maori symbol that is said to represent two lives growing together. The Sky Father and Earth Mother joined. #
What does nephrite look like?
Nephrite can be found in a translucent white to very light yellow form which is known in China as mutton fat jade, in an opaque white to very light brown or gray which is known as chicken bone jade, as well as in a variety of green colors.
Is it bad luck to buy your own greenstone?
Certain pieces of greenstone were actually recognized as having their own spirits, which chose their wearer, so carving or taking one for yourself was extremely bad luck as it would anger the spirit or guardian of the jade.” Today however, it is increasingly common to purchase a piece for yourself.
Does Jade change color the more you wear it?
WEARING YOUR JADE MORE WILL CHANGE ITS COLOUR – FACT OR MYTH? The intensity of the colour of Jade will only change due to dirt or grease that can sometimes get trapped on the surface, or if the Jade piece has undergone colour treatment, gradually fading to its original state as time passes. …
Can you wear greenstone If you are not Maori?
You can have a y symbol made in greenstone. You dont have to be just Maori to wear it. Theres pacific islander symbols.
What can I do with unwanted Pounamu?
Greenstone or Pounamu is best cleansed in a flowing river. Swish the stone towards the outward flow of the water a few times releasing any unwanted energy and to bless the stone. You can also place in a lake by swishing it in a circular movement.
Can jade be worn in the shower?
Yes, you can shower wearing your jade bangle treated or not. … If you have a natural jade bangle, swimming with it in chlorinated or salt water pool will not cause any problems. Treated jade bangles should not be taken into chlorinated pool.
Can you wear greenstone in the shower?
a. Can I wear my necklace in the shower? Yes. Soaps will not affect the colour or finish of your stone.
Is it bad luck to steal Jade?
Yes, however the Maori people believe you have more luck if you are given a piece of Jade as a gift. … It is however very bad luck to steal a piece of Jade.
How do you present Pounamu?
Pounamu in hand, gently and respectfully cupped by a lady who tilts her wrist, adjusting her hold to reveal the individual beauty of the piece. The dark and light hues playfully combine, revealing unique patterns and shades designed by nature, that draw the eye deep into the origins of the stone. As if into its soul.
What is a Koru necklace?
The Maori Koru jade carving necklace represents the fern frond opening and bringing new life and purity to the world. It also represents peace, tranquility and spirituality, along with a strong sense of regrowth or new beginnings and new journeys.