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Breastplate Pounamu Aotearoa Greenstone
Breastplate Pounamu Aotearoa Greenstone
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Ngāi Tahu Pounamu sourced from Arahura River, Te Tai o Poutini o Te Waipounamu West Coast of the South Island
(W106 x D9 x H51) 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. 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.
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Care instructions
Our Taonga & jewellery is made of high-quality metals and stones, that are made to be worn daily however they can still be damaged through contact with harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and collisions. Keep your Taonga/jewellery away from chlorinated water as it can erode the metal, Avoid any hard knocks and scratches to your stones. If your stones look dry, rub it against your skin or rub a small amount of natural oil such as olive or coconut on to it.
Gifting Pounamu
Pounamu is a tangible expression of love and appreciation, a physical gift that carries the essence of New Zealand's land and culture. Sourced from the heart of Aotearoa, this precious stone serves as a reminder of the significant place we call home, imbued with the rich cultural meaning of Māori whakairo (carving) traditions. When we gift pounamu, we are not only sharing a piece of New Zealand’s history but also intertwining it with our own personal stories, creating a connection that honors both the land and the people we cherish.
We invite you, when gifting a piece of pounamu, to wear it yourself before presenting it to your loved one. During this time, reflect on the blessing they are in your life. As the stone absorbs your skin oils, it will carry a part of you, creating a deeply personal connection that your friend will cherish.
Want to see more?
We are located in the heart of Auckland's CBD, making it easy for you to visit our store and experience the beauty of our handcrafted pieces in person. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or simply want to explore our collection, we'd love to welcome you and share the stories behind our creations. Come and visit us today!