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Apr 124 min read

POUNAMU: WHAT IS IT?


Hei Tiki

December 2008, Rotorua, by Lewis Gardiner. 



Alex Revelant -

 

Pounamu, or perhaps more commonly known as jade or greenstone, is a precious and rare stone found only in Te Waipounamu (the South Island of Aotearoa, directly translated to “the greenstone waters”). The particular green hue might be recognisable for some, but few outside of Aotearoa know the story and significance of pounamu. So where does pounamu come from? Why is it so precious? And what does it represent? 


In Māori culture, pounamu has many spiritual properties, and the reason why can be found in the legend of Poutini. The story is as follows: Poutini was a Taniwha (supernatural water-being) and the guardian of Ngahui/Kahue, the deity of pounamu. One day as he was swimming around the island of Tūhua, he spotted a beautiful woman named Waitaki. He instantly fell in love and took her with him back to Te Waipounamu. Unfortunately for him, Waitaki was married to a powerful Māori chief called Tamaahua who immediately started searching for her. Poutini then realised Tamaahua would never give up his pursuit of Waitaki, and in an effort to keep her with him, he made up his mind to turn Waitaki into his essence. He transformed her into pounamu and put her to rest in the Arahura River. Poutini then swam to the coast, named Te Tai Poutini after him, and remains there today, guarding the land and the stone. Tamaahua on the other hand discovered his wife had been turned to stone and he let out a tangi, a tremendous song of grief. It is said that all the places where pounamu is found are the places that Poutini visited with Waitaki as he was fleeing her husband. 



Hei Matau (Hook)

2009, Flickr, by Matt Biddulph. 


Pounamu is therefore more than just a pretty green colour. When pieces of pounamu are broken off, they break off Waitaki’s body. They are considered to be her uri (children) and she is the mauri (life force) found inside the stone. Pounamu represents strength, protection and a connection to the land, and is therefore highly treasured in Māori culture. It has been used to create jewellery but also weapons worn and used by significant figures such as chiefs and warriors. Weapons made of pounamu were commonly exchanged as a peace-making gift between different iwi (tribes). Because of its association with chiefs and its ability to seal peace agreements, it is considered to have mana (spiritual power or status). It’s believed that the mana increases as the pounamu is passed on through the generations, and that the stone absorbs the mana of all its owners. This makes most pounamu to be considered taonga (treasure). 


Another reason pounamu is so highly prized is its exclusivity, it can only be found in some rivers on the West Coast of Aotearoa. The only way to purchase pounamu is also by purchasing from Te Rūnagna o Ngāi Tahu, the principal iwi of Te Waipounamu. In 1997, the government of Aotearoa rightfully returned the rights of pounamu ownership to the iwi. This makes Ngāi Tahu the kaitiaki (guardians) of all pounamu and the only authentic source of the stone. 


Pounamu is the preferred name over greenstone because the stone is not always green. Pounamu can be separated into four main categories, identified by its colour and translucence. Kawakawa is the most common variety being a dark green colour, its name comes from the kawakawa leaf. Kahurangi is a very rare, very translucent stone that is named after the clear sky and comes in a light green shade. Īnanga takes its name from the juvenile native minnow and comes is a mixture of pearly white, greyish green and blue. Depending on the area, Tangiwai can be olive, green, yellow or brown and is translucent as glass. The word tangi is a tremendous song of grief, and wai is water, together it refers to a deep sorrow. Outside these four exists a greater diversity of pounamu, though rare. 


In the modern day, pounamu is commonly bought as pieces of jewellery, typically gifted to others. The shape of the carving also gives significance to the stone:


Toki (Adze) is the shape of a Māori tool and the shape is associated with strength, courage and wisdom. 


Pikorua (Twist) is a symbol for loyalty, friendship, and love. The figure-eight shape symbolises the bond between two people. 


Koru (Spiral) represents Aotearoa’s native silver ferns, and symbolises new beginnings and hope for the future. 


Hei Matau (Hook) connects us to the ocean and the water. It brings prosperity for travel across water. 


Manaia (Mythological creature) is a spiritual messenger 

and guardian of the sky, earth and sea. Gifting it will bring those you treasure protection from evil. 


Hei Tiki is a representation of the human form and of their ancestors, it links together the past present and future. 


Niho (Tooth) is typically associated with a whale or shark tooth and represents strength and resilience. 


Porohita (Disc) is a form that represents the circle of life. It has no start nor end and symbolises unity.



Roimata (Teardrop) is a symbol of resilience and reminds us of the strength of our tears. 


Māori terms:

Te Waipounamu

The South Island of Aotearoa, directly translated as greenstone waters.

Aotearoa 

The Māori name for New Zealand

Taniwha

A supernatural water-being


Tangi

 A tremendous song of grief

Uri

Children

Mauri

Life force

Iwi

Kinship group, tribe

Mana

A supernatural force in a person, place or object, sometimes referred to as status

Taonga

 A treasure, something prized

Kaitiaki

A guardian

Wai

Water


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