Greenstone / Hapopo Pounamu Mere 27cm - C

YOUR MERE
All Pounamu is sacred and highly valued by Ngãi Tahu, the most southern tribe of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Carving this sacred stone has been a cornerstone of our culture for hundreds of years and we are honoured that you have chosen to adorn yourself with this most sacred gift.

Traditionally, mere were reserved for warriors of distinguished mana and powers. Today, mere are gifts or taonga of high meaning and regard.

НАРОРО
This stone is Hapopo. It's colour ranges from medium green to a dark forest green with a unique mottled texture. The name originating from Kã Umu o Hapopo (Big Bay) which is located in Poutini ki te toka (South Westland).

YOUR REGION
TE TAI O POUTINI
Your stone comes from the South Island of New Zealand. As this is the only place where New Zealand greenstone is found the name of this island in Mãori is Te Waipounamu (the Greenstone Isle).

This stone is a taonga (treasure) to Ngãi Tahu, and in particular the peoples of Te Tai o Poutini, the West Coast of the South Island where most pounamu is found and carved.
The stone began its journey here millions of years ago, the mountains of the Te Waipounamu forming in this time and, in doing so, pushing the narrow bands of earth containing Pounamu up to the surface. From here the action of rivers and glaciers released the stone from its host rock into screes,

• Measure: 270H x 80W x 15D (mm) 
• Handcrafted in New Zealand
• Each piece is hand-carved individually, no two are the same. 

Pounamu, or New Zealand Jade, is a majestic stone sourced from the coastal regions, riverbeds, and Glaciers of Aotearoa (New Zealand). Traditionally utilised by Maori tribes, the stone was, at that time, seen as the strongest substance known to man.

Pounamu was sought for its robustness when used as a tool for hunting, fishing and fighting. For spiritual practice, the stones ethereal qualities and deep green colour were admired, also now, in our contemporary world.

It is a popular belief that Pounamu contains something more than rock, and when touched, this is noticed, whether this something is metaphysical or otherwise. Pounamu was formed into jewellery, heirlooms and spiritual symbols by the tribes most highly placed individuals, among the chiefs: the carvers. Employing sandstone, bark, and black obsidian, these masters of the elements spent weeks, months, even years, to gratify the best outcome for a piece of Pounamu.