Breastplate I kōuma Pounamu Aotearoa New Zealand Greenstone

(H37.5 x W84.3 x D8.7 ) mm / adjustable 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. Acknowledging and upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is an integral part of our Aotearoa New Zealand perspective.

CARE OF YOUR TAONGA
Our pounamu is made to be worn daily. You can shower with it on. It is advised that during physical activity you take off your pounamu or wear it under your clothing. Pounamu will absorb your skin’s oils, so if your taonga is looking dry you can rub it against your skin. Alternatively, you can rub into the stone natural oil such as coconut or olive oil for lustre.