Pounamu is the Māori name for New Zealand greenstone — a type of nephrite jade or bowenite found mainly on the South Island's West Coast.
Pounamu is the Māori name for New Zealand greenstone — a type of nephrite jade or bowenite found mainly on the South Island's West Coast. In Māori culture, pounamu is deeply sacred and holds immense spiritual significance; it's carved into hei-tiki pendants, weapons, and tools that are passed down through generations as taonga (treasures). The richer the color and quality, the more prized the stone. Today pounamu is recognized globally as a symbol of New Zealand identity, and its ownership and trade is protected under Māori tribal authority.
She wore a pounamu pendant her grandmother had gifted her — a piece that had been in the family for over a century.
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(New Zealand) The pounamu, the green-hued minerals of New Zealand used by the Māori to make tools, ornaments and weapons (any of three varieties of nephrite jade or one variety of bowenite).
(NZ) The shell of this mollusc.
(NZ) , a tree of New Zealand.
(NZ) A fish hook made from this shell.
(NZ) Jade, nephrite.