Māori pounamu: hei-tiki, hei matau and koru

Pounamu, the green stone of New Zealand (nephrite), is a taonga, a treasure, for Māori. Pounamu jewelry carries spiritual value and is inherited or gifted, and each form has its meaning.

Who and where #

Māori are the Indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand). Most pounamu comes from the South Island, Te Wai Pounamu, where pounamu in its natural state belongs to the iwi (tribe) Ngāi Tahu under a 1997 law.

Materials and techniques #

• Pounamu (nephrite), carved and polished with abrasive stones; today also with modern tools.
• Braided cotton or leather cords to hang the pieces.
• Bone and shell are carved as well.

Traditional pieces and their meaning #

• Hei-tiki: a pendant in the form of a stylized human figure; an heirloom piece, often linked to ancestors.
• Hei matau: a fish hook; symbolizes prosperity, strength and safe travel over water.
• Koru: a spiral representing the unfurling fern frond: new life, growth and peace.
• Pikorua (twist): a symbol of union and lasting bonds between people.
• Toki: an adze; symbolizes strength and authority.

The tradition today #

Many people hold that pounamu should be gifted, and that the piece carries the mana (prestige and energy) of the giver. When buying, look for pounamu of verifiable origin, carved by artists, and respect the cultural value of the pieces.

See also #

• Symbols in traditional jewelry and their meaning
• How to buy artisan and Indigenous jewelry ethically
• Horn and antler