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 peace offering as well - it was not just used for jewellery, tools and weapons.  

Even when used to make jewellery and weapons, some pieces were made to be handed down through the generations, and hence carried even more significance due to their ancestral history, imbued with stories and names.

Nowadays Ngai Tahu sell the stone to carvers to make their own treasures, so you will find pounamu jewellery and collectibles all around New Zealand.

Traditionally pounamu is gifted, rather than self-bought.  It is usually blessed by the giver or other appropriate person (such as a kaumatua) before being handed to the recipient.

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 peace offering as well - it was not just used for jewellery, tools and weapons.  

Even when used to make jewellery and weapons, some pieces were made to be handed down through the generations, and hence carried even more significance due to their ancestral history, imbued with stories and names.

Nowadays Ngai Tahu sell the stone to carvers to make their own treasures, so you will find pounamu jewellery and collectibles all around New Zealand.

Traditionally pounamu is gifted, rather than self-bought.  It is usually blessed by the giver or other appropriate person (such as a kaumatua) before being handed to the recipient.