Breastplate I kōuma Pounamu Aotearoa New Zealand Greenstone

Pounamu sourced from Arahura River, Te Tai o Poutini o Te Waipounamu West Coast of the South Island

(W75 x D11 x H45) mm / adjustable 4 strand waxed braid

Kōuma; (noun) sternum, breastbone, breastplate, worn over the torso, carries a message of physical as well as symbolic protection for the wearer.  

Early examples of the breastplate in Aotearoa date back to the Māori material culture of the Archaic period, evolving as a type of personal body armour, whilst also mirroring the shape of the human physique.

Māori knowledge, mātauranga intrinsically recognises that all animate and inanimate elements are infused with spirit or living essence; encompassing the element of stewardship, or kaitiakitanga, associated with the term when it is used in relation to resources, including land and water.

Balance, symmetry, exchange and reciprocity, nurture of growth and replication for the benefit of future generations informs this design; both consciously and unconsciously reinforcing these values in daily life. ref. ‘Pacific Jewellery and Adornment’.

OUR STORY

Crafted by hand at the Oro Negro Studio on Karangahape Road. We follow Māori Whakairo protocol in crafting taonga that honours the traditions of tangata whenua o Aotearoa. As Colombian carvers, our practice is also about connecting with our own Indigenous South American art forms.

Acknowledging and upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is an integral part of our Aotearoa New Zealand perspective.

CARE OF YOUR TAONGA

Pounamu polishes and shines itself overtime by absorbing the natural oils of your skin. Likewise, rubbing into the stone’s surface a natural oil such as olive or coconut oil will also add lustre. Our pounamu can be worn daily, yet care should always be taken to minimise impact which could potentially cause hairlines cracks or breaks. Wearing your pounamu close to the skin will always act as a protective measure.