While the Hei Matau, Koru and Twist carvings we carry are all Taonga (treasures), some of the most prized Taonga are made of Nephrite Jade, also known as Pounamu or Greenstone. I've always found this jade and the designs to be beautiful, and I am thrilled we can now offer them through my friend Tony, a traditional New Zealand Pounamu carver.
A little about the Pounamu
Gifts of Pounamu pendants were passed down as heirlooms and given to seal important agreements. It is found only in the South Island of New Zealand, known in Māori as Te Wai Pounamu (The [land of] Greenstone Water) or Te Wahi Pounamu (The Place of Greenstone).
We offer the Greenstone pendants in a teardrop design (approximate length 45 mm) and the more traditional Toki design (about 37 mm length). Both come in a black velvet gift bag with cards describing the history and meaning behind the Pounamu symbol and the Toki design. Like everything from Wanderer Imports, jade Pounamu pendants have some variations because they are a natural mineral and hand crafted. We are dedicated to a great customer experience, and if you have a preference for a lighter or darker green teardrop or Toki pendant, we will do our best to accommodate you from the choices in our stock. Simply indicate your preference in the comment box on the checkout page.
Maori Toki
Worn by chiefs and warriors considered to have great power, the Toki is a symbol of strength, control and triumph over life's many challenges. Traditionally the blade of an Adze for woodcarving, the Toki was also used in times of trouble to defend the Maori tribe. These Maori Toki pendants are bound in a traditional manner.
Pounamu Versions of the Hei Matau and Twist symbols are now available on their Individual product pages. Hope you check them out :-).