The Meaning and Mana of Pounamu (Greenstone) Carvings
Taonga Māori – The Legacy of Pounamu
Pounamu, A Treasure of Strength and Connection
Its name shapes the land itself, Te Waipounamu, the waters of greenstone. For generations, pounamu has been revered, gifted, and safeguarded. Coveted for its strength, beauty, and rarity, it has served as a symbol of mana, carved into tools, weapons, and adornments, or passed down as treasured heirlooms. More than just a stone, pounamu is a taonga, deeply woven into the whakapapa and identity of Aotearoa.
Where Did Pounamu Greenstone Come From?
The Origins of Pounamu
Pounamu lies deep within the mountains and rivers of Te Waipounamu, the land named for this treasured stone. For generations, Māori have searched the rugged riverbeds of the West Coast, shaping pounamu into tools, weapons, and adornments, not just for its strength and durability, but for its spiritual significance.
For my whānau, pounamu is more than a taonga, it is a connection to those who came before. My distant relation, the late Russell Beck, was one of Aotearoa’s foremost pounamu experts. His encyclopaedic knowledge helped shape how we understand and honour this stone today. He often spoke of how pounamu, whether a heirloom or a natural stone, takes on a unique patina over time, charged with mana, gaining a presence unlike any other stone.
More than just a material, pounamu carries whakapapa, mana, and connection. It is not unusual for a piece to become woven into a family’s legacy, passed down through generations. It holds the wairua of those who have carried it before, making it more than an heirloom, it is a taonga, a living link between the wearer, their ancestors, and the whenua of Aotearoa.
Can You Buy Yourself Pounamu?
A common question is whether pounamu must be gifted or if you can choose a piece for yourself. While there is a well-known tradition of gifting pounamu, there is no strict cultural rule that prevents you from purchasing your own.
Historically, pounamu was highly valued and frequently traded among iwi, exchanged not just as a token of affection but as a symbol of connection and significance. Today, many people choose their own pounamu to mark a life event, milestone, or personal journey. What matters most is the intention behind it, whether gifted or self-chosen, pounamu carries the meaning you give it.
If a piece speaks to you, trust that connection. When chosen with respect and understanding, your pounamu will hold its mana just the same.
How to Choose Pounamu Greenstone
Selecting a pounamu piece is a deeply personal choice, often guided by the shape and meaning that resonate most with you or the person receiving it. Each design carries its own symbolism, reflecting strength, connection, protection, or new beginnings.
Explore our collection at Arrowtown Stonework, where you’ll find a range of traditional and contemporary pounamu pendants. Below, we’ve highlighted key designs along with their significance, helping you find a piece that holds meaning for life’s journey.
Toki (Adze)
A Symbol of Strength, Leadership and Perseverance
The Toki has long been revered for its power and purpose. Traditionally crafted from pounamu, it was one of the first and most vital tools used by Māori. Designed for carving and shaping timber, the toki played a crucial role in constructing waka (canoes) and whare (houses), turning raw materials into vessels of exploration and shelter. More than just a tool, it symbolized craftsmanship, resourcefulness, and the ability to forge one’s path.
Beyond its practical use, the Toki carried deep spiritual significance. Some were imbued with mana (spiritual power) and used in sacred rituals, passed down through generations as emblems of leadership and prestige. Today, wearing a toki represents strength, resilience, and determination, qualities of those who carve their own way forward. Whether given as a gift of encouragement or worn as a personal emblem, the Toki serves as a reminder of inner fortitude and the journey of perseverance.
Twist (Pikorua)
Symbols of Connection & Aroha
The Pikorua design reflects the interwoven nature of relationships, inspired by the entwined form of the pikopiko fern. Though a more modern interpretation, its meaning aligns with enduring Māori values, symbolising connection, resilience, and the strength of friendships, whānau, and aroha (love).
The continuous twist, with no beginning or end, represents the ever-evolving nature of relationships and the paths we take in life. Our collection includes single and double twists, as well as the Pikopiko Pendant, which combines the Pikorua and Koru—symbolising both deep connections and new beginnings. Worn as a reminder of unity and support, the Pikorua carries meaning that lasts a lifetime.
Manaia – Spiritual Guardian
A Symbol of Balance & Protection
A guardian in Māori tradition, the Manaia is often depicted with the head of a bird, the body of a human, and the tail of a fish, representing the connection between sky, earth, and sea. This design reflects the Māori worldview of balance and unity, where all elements of life are interconnected. Worn as a protective symbol, the Manaia is believed to offer strength, guidance, and a shield against adversity.
More than just a symbol, the Manaia embodies the relationship between people and nature, reminding the wearer of the importance of balance in all aspects of life. It represents hauora (well-being), safeguarding both the physical and spiritual, while reinforcing the interconnectedness of all living things.
Koru – New Beginnings
A Symbol of Growth & Renewal
Rooted in the natural world, the Koru takes its form from the unfurling fronds of native ferns, a familiar sight in Aotearoa’s bush. This unfolding motion represents new beginnings, growth, and the continuous cycle of life. With each turn, the Koru reflects resilience, renewal, and the opportunities that arise as we navigate change.
The inner spiral of the Koru is often seen as a representation of birth, nurturing the next generation as it grows and flourishes. Just as the frond matures and gives life to new shoots, the Koru embodies the interconnectedness of past, present, and future. Its balanced form signifies stability and harmony, offering a reminder of strength through life’s challenges and joys.
Hei Matau
A Symbol of Protection and Prosperity
Celebrated for its fishhook silhouette, the Hei Matau embodies Māori artistry and underscores their profound oceanic heritage. Rooted in the legend of Māui, who pulled up the North Island with a hook made from his grandmother’s jawbone, this emblem signifies strength, prosperity, safe travel, and the provider’s role. Often sculpted from pounamu (greenstone), it pays homage to Tangaroa (the sea god) and represents protection and good fortune. Wearing the Hei Matau reaffirms a deep connection to te moana (the sea), guiding the wearer toward nourishment, well-being, and success.
Showcasing an elegant fishhook design, the Hei Matau highlights the significance of the sea in Māori culture. Its story traces back to Māui, who famously used a jawbone hook to lift the North Island from the ocean. As a result, the Hei Matau symbolizes power, abundance, safe passage over water, and the guardian’s responsibility to provide. Carved primarily from pounamu (greenstone), it reflects the Māori reverence for Tangaroa, the deity of the sea. Wearing it fosters a connection to te moana, offering good fortune, protection, and a sense of well-being.
Whale Tail
Strength and Guidance
The whale has long been revered in Māori culture, embodying strength, intelligence, and a deep connection to the ocean. The Whale Tail pendant reflects these qualities, symbolising protection, good fortune, and the guidance to navigate life’s challenges. Carved from pounamu (greenstone), it represents the enduring bond between people and te moana (the sea), carrying the wisdom of one of the ocean’s most powerful creatures.
More than a symbol, the whale tail is a reminder of direction and resilience. Just as whales travel vast distances with purpose, this design signifies guidance through life’s journeys, offering support and protection along the way. It also reflects a responsibility to cherish and protect the natural world, honoring the deep relationship between people and the ocean.
Roimata (Tear Drop)
A Symbol of Healing and Connection
Shaped like a teardrop, the Roimata carries deep meaning in Māori culture, symbolising healing, unity, and emotional strength. This taonga represents a connection to whenua (land) and whānau, offering aroha, comfort, and hope. Traditionally, it is believed to bring positive energy and resilience, supporting the wearer through life’s challenges.
More than just a form, the Roimata embodies the balance between nature and wairua (spirit), reflecting the Māori belief in unity and well-being (hauora). As a protective talisman, it serves as a reminder of harmony, both within ourselves and in the world around us—offering strength and guidance through times of change.
Honouring the Legacy of Pounamu
Pounamu is more than a precious stone, it carries stories, whakapapa, and the strength of those who have shaped it before us. Each piece, whether passed down through generations or newly carved, holds mana, growing in significance over time. It connects us to the land, to our tūpuna, and to the enduring traditions that have treasured pounamu as a taonga for centuries.
At Arrowtown Stonework, we honour this legacy with every pendant and piece we carve. Each design, from the protective Hei Matau to the symbolic Roimata, reflects the deep meaning and artistry behind pounamu. Whether gifted or chosen for yourself, pounamu is a reminder of connection, between people, whenua, and the journeys we take.
