Trace my Pounamu
Your carving P100MK2W is certified New Zealand Pounamu
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu guarantees that your piece is carved from genuine Ngāi Tahu Pounamu
Your Koru
All Pounamu is sacred and highly valued by Ngāi Tahu, the most southern tribe of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Carving this sacred stone has been a cornerstone of our culture for hundreds of years and we are honoured that you have chosen to adorn yourself with this most sacred gift.
Literally meaning 'curl' these taonga depict an unfurling fern. In Māori culture, the young shoots of the fern symbolise new life, growth and rejuvenation.
Your Artisan
Westland Greenstone Limited Westland Greenstone Limited
Established in 1962 Westland Greenstone is one the leading pounamu carving and manufacturing companies working in the NZ tourism industry.
Based in Hokitika we employ a team of skilled carvers to produce a wide range of jewellery and accessories. Distributing our finished products through our own and other outlets nationwide.
Westland Greenstone has always concentrated on genuine NZ pounamu and is happy to work with Ngai Tahu as a member of its authenticity scheme.
Westland Greenstone is proud to be 100% NEW ZEALAND Owned.
www.westlandgreenstone.co.nz
Your Rawstone
Stone Reference:ASRKR6DK.1
Size:350x130x121mm
Type:Kawakawa
Weight:27.600
Origin:Te Tai o Poutini
Rūnanga:Waewae
Kawakawa
This rawstone is Kawakawa, the darkest and strongest form of Pounamu. Its colour ranges from a medium green to a dark forest green, and is not typically translucent. It is named for the native kawakawa plant which traditionally used for its culinary and medicinal properties.
Endless combinations of Pounamu types occur, and no two pieces are the same guaranteeing that your Pounamu is unique.
Your Region
Te Tai o Poutini
Your stone comes from the South Island of New Zealand. As this is the only place where New Zealand greenstone is found the name of this island in Māori is Te Waipounamu (the Greenstone Isle).
This stone is a taonga (treasure) to Ngāi Tahu, and in particular the peoples of Te Tai o Poutini, the West Coast of the South Island where most pounamu is found and carved.
The stone began it’s journey here millions of years ago, the mountains of the Te Waipounamu forming in this time and, in doing so, pushing the narrow bands of earth containing Pounamu up to the surface. From here the action of rivers and glaciers released the stone from its host rock into screes, river gravel and glacial deposits.
This stone is now yours to protect, to treasure and, eventually, to pass on to the next generation.