Description
Manaia pounamu pendants depict a mythical creature. Traditionally said to have the power to journey between the earthly and spiritual worlds. Māori consider manaia to be a guardian for the wearer.
Also known as greenstone, nephrite or jade, pounamu comes in a myriad of different colours, textures and consistencies. Each piece is unique and may differ from the image.
All genuine New Zealand Pounamu comes with a mark of authenticity and an exclusive trace code. When entered online this code identifies the origin and whakapapa of the stone.
- Authentic New Zealand Pounamu
- Manaia pendant on adjustable cord
- Measures approximately 2.7cm x 6cm
- Comes with authenticity mark and trace code
- Comes in gift box
- Made in New Zealand
Ngāi Tahu is the largest Māori iwi (tribe) of the South Island of New Zealand – Te Waipounamu (which means ‘the Greenstone Isle’). They hold the rangatiratanga to over 80 per cent of the South Island. Ngāi Tahu means “people of Tahu” and all Ngāi Tahu whānui can trace their ancestry back to the tribe’s founder, Tahu Pōtiki.
Ngāi Tahu is the result of the interweaving of three whakapapa lines from Waitaha, Ngāti Māmoe and Ngāi Tahu. They are a resilient, entrepreneurial people who made their home in Te Waipounamu over 800 years ago.
In 1997 the New Zealand Government returned the rights of greenstone ownership to Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, the iwi’s elected tribal council.
Ngāi Tahu are therefore the kaitiaki of all South Island greenstone, the only known source of authentic New Zealand pounamu. This was a huge moment both for the tribe and for the greater identity of New Zealand.
The importance of the stone to the greater identity of Māori cannot be undervalued. Along with rights to pounamu came the key responsibility of ensuring pounamu can be sustainably managed. This means not just caring for the stone but also protecting and advocating for the rivers it comes from, the artists that shape it and the communities that surround it.
This Manaia Pounamu Pendant is also available for purchase in store at Wellington Museum and Cable Car Museum.
