Do you have to bless greenstone?

Do you have to bless greenstone?

Its customary to bless a Pounamu before wearing it! Greenstone is held in high regard as a taonga (treasure) within Maori culture. This is why pounamu carvings are considered a special and significant family heirloom.

Can you shower with pounamu?

a. Can I wear my necklace in the shower? Yes. Soaps will not affect the colour or finish of your stone.

Can I take off my pounamu?

When pounamu is unearthed as a result of another permitted activity, such as gold mining or building developments it cannot be removed without consultation with and the approval of Te R nanga o Ng i Tahu and the appropriate Kaitiaki R nanga.

Can you wear someone else’s greenstone?

Can you wear someone else’s greenstone? It is not considered culturally appropriate to wear someone else’s greenstone (pounamu) unless it has been formally gifted to you by way of ceremony.

Can you take greenstone out of NZ?

In 1997, the tribe became the legal owner and guardian (kaitiaki) of all New Zealand pounamu. The role means Ngāi Tahu are the only people in the country with legal permission to extract pounamu from the wild for either tribal or commercial use.

Is greenstone and Jade the same?

Pounamu, greenstone and New Zealand jade are all names for the same hard, durable highly valued stone, used for making adornments, tools and weapons. Each name is used by different groups: Pounamu is the traditional Māori name.

How do you know if pounamu is real?

Authentic Ngāi Tahu Pounamu prominently displays both a mark of authenticity and a unique traceability code. When entered online this code identifies the origin and whakapapa of the stone. It will describe how it was extracted and processed and tell you who the artist was that carved it.

How do you fix a broken greenstone?

When greenstone has a clean break or has snapped: Pin and glue: We pin the two pieces of stone together in place by drilling small stainless steel pins into both of the pieces and secure it with strong glue. We can also reinforce the support around the break by binding it with cord.

Can you take your greenstone off?

The Ngai Tahu Pounamu Vesting Act 1997 prohibits the commercial mining and extraction of greenstone in defined areas, including South Westland. The offence is theft under section 219 of the Crimes Act 1961.

Do I need to bless my pounamu?

Is the pounamu blessed? Yes, all our pounamu is blessed in its raw form before the carving process begins. All our carvers handle each taonga with customary respect and carved with every possible care.

Can you keep greenstone you find?

Ngai Tahu was handed back ownership of all naturally occurring pounamu within its rohe (area) by special legislation in 1997. In general terms, fossicking for greenstone is only permitted in designated areas. This is limited to what an individual can carry on their person or in a backpack within a 24-hour period.

How do you wear pounamu?

Wear your Pounamu against your skin as often as possible. It will naturally absorb oils from your skin that will help maintain its polish and it will become a holder of your wairua. Your taonga can be oiled with any natural household oils or fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil or tallow.

What is a Maori greenstone pendant?

This precious stone has been used for hundreds of years by the New Zealand Maori in tools, weapons and jewellery. The tradition still lives on today, mostly seen as pendants for necklaces. With that, these greenstone pendants come in many different designs, each with their own meanings.

How to choose the perfect greenstone pendant?

A popular method is to combine traditional designs or make your own additions to original designs. Greenstone pendants are traditionally gifted to another, so knowing the greenstone pendant meanings will make it easier to choose the perfect gift.

What does translucence mean on a greenstone necklace?

Translucence means high gemological quality. The more light that can pass through the greenstone necklace design when held under a light, the higher quality it is. Pay special attention to its edge and see if it’s glowing.

What are the different types of greenstone necklaces?

Here are the greenstone necklace traditional shades: Inanga – A grey/green colour that is found either opaque or translucent Kahurangi – One of the rarest types of greenstone, Kahurangi is a highly translucent light green shade free from flaws Kawakawa – A dark green shade with varying intermediate shades