Table of Contents
What does a Toki pounamu mean?
symbol of strength
A symbol of strength Today, toki pounamu are often gifted as as a celebration of courage, determination, success, and bravery, as well as to link the past to the present with reverence and respect.
What does the Maori Toki mean?
strength, determination
The Toki (Adze) is a symbol of strength, determination, and courage in times of adversity. The shape represents a tool often used by Maori for carving, shaping, and weaponry and was originally used for practical purposes.
How do you know if a pounamu is real?
Authentic Ngāi Tahu Pounamu prominently displays both a mark of authenticity and a unique traceability code which, when entered online, identifies the origin and whakapapa of the stone, describes how it was extracted and processed, and tells you who the artist was that carved it.
Can you wear pounamu If you are not Māori?
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.
What happens if I lose my pounamu?
Unfortunately, Pounamu is not repairable once it has broken. The best option would be to purchase another piece or we could put you in touch with the carver and you may be able to have something smaller shaped out of your broken pounamu.
Is it disrespectful to wear a pounamu?
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. This practice represents the handing over of spiritual and practical knowledge from our ancestors.
Can I wear pounamu in the shower?
a. Can I wear my necklace in the shower? Yes. Soaps will not affect the colour or finish of your stone.
What does a Toki pounamu symbolize?
Today, toki pounamu are often gifted as as a celebration of courage, determination, success, and bravery, as well as to link the past to the present with reverence and respect. Like the toki blade, there are similar designs that also represent strength.
What is a Toki poutangata?
These toki were known as toki poutangata. Our national museum finds that toki poutangata were used on ceremonial occasions, such as the felling of a great tree for a significant waka (canoe) or for the ridgepole of a whare nui or meeting house.
Why do Maori wear shark tooth necklaces?
Before the European Maori society, the shark tooth necklace was carved as an exact replica of the mako sharks tooth and worn in the ear. Long greenstone drop pendants are also similar to the toki blade. According to a Maori myth, they represent the tears of crying albatross birds.