Greenstone Pendant Breast Plate w Paua 130mm

Bound New Zealand Greenstone breast plate 130mm x 37mm on a waxed black adjustable cord.

Genuine New Zealand Pounamu (Greenstone), sourced and hand-carved in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Pounamu is of great cultural significance for Maori and is believed to enhance mana (prestige) of its possessor. When received as a gift Pounamu is said to gain value as a special treasure. 

Koru: New life or beginning, growth, harmony and peace.

Breastplate is a symbol of strength and leadership. Thought of as a shield, and believed to offer tranquillity and well-being.

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.