Maori Culture Maori Culture » greenstone toki
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What is the Significance of Greenstone in Maori Culture? What is the Significance of Greenstone in Maori Culture?
Pounamu (greenstone) is hugely significant in Maori culture, particularly to the Ngai Tahu iwi (tribe) who are the kaitiaki (guardians) of the stone. Found only in the South Island of New Zealand, pounamu is considered a taonga (treasure) that carries great mana (spiritual power), and is intrinsically part of the Ngai Tahu cultural identity. Ngai Tahu traded greenstone and used it as a...Pounamu (greenstone) is hugely significant in Maori culture, particularly to the Ngai Tahu iwi (tribe) who are the kaitiaki (guardians) of the stone. Found only in the South Island of New Zealand, pounamu is considered a taonga (treasure) that carries great mana (spiritual power), and is intrinsically part of the Ngai Tahu cultural identity. Ngai Tahu traded greenstone and used it as a... -
Can you wear greenstone If you are not Māori? Can you wear greenstone If you are not Māori?
So, the wearing of greenstone is not restricted to Maori. What is more important is for the wearer to recognise the mana that pounamu holds, and that it is supposed to be handed down through the generations. Wear it with care and pride.So, the wearing of greenstone is not restricted to Maori. What is more important is for the wearer to recognise the mana that pounamu holds, and that it is supposed to be handed down through the generations. Wear it with care and pride.
