Kawa Kawa Pounamu Earrings
Kawa Kawa Pounamu Earrings
Here is a lovely set of earrings made from Kawa Kawa stone that looks black & dark green with black specks to the naked eye from first glance. However holding it in the sunlight you can see the different shades of deep greens, emerald streaks and black specks.
Kawa Kawa is one of the strongest Pounamu/Greenstone varieties. Due to its strength and toughness Maori opted to use this type for weaponry like Patu (Club) and a type of ancient versatile cutting tool similar to an axe with a cutting edge called an Adze.
Exclusively found in the West Coast of the South Island in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Stone: Kawa Kawa
Clasp: Sterling Silver
Dimensions: 30mm x 10mm approx.
Meanings Behind the Designs
Koru (Spiral)
The Koru is said to represent new beginnings, growth and regeneration. It is a perfect gift that will last generations
Hei Matau (Fish Hook)
Signifies strength, worn for catching good luck giving protection in travel, especially over water
Rei Puta
The Rei puta is a representaion of the whales tooth, this signafies the importance of Tangaroa (god of the sea) and his children
Manaia
A Manaia is a spiritual gaurdian usually with the head of a bird and the tail of a fish, Representing unity between the spiritual, and the physical worlds
Toki
Power and Strenghth and leadership qualitys
Pikorua (Twist)
the infinty symbol this shows the coming together of two life forces
Mere
This indicates strength commitment and over coming obstacles.
Different types of Pounamu from New Zealand.
There are many different types of pounamu found throughout New Zealand. It is predominantly found on the west coast of the South Island. Pounamu has a special place in Maori culture and was used in all parts of their lives from making tools, weapons and Jewellery.
Kawakawa: This is named after the leaves of the pepperwood tree. This bright to dark green with black spots and inclusions.
Inanga: Is named after young whitebait, which is a small translucent native fish. the stone can be from a very pale green to almost white this to has very translucent qualities.
Totoweka: A weka is a native flightless bird. The name of this basically means “blood of the weka”. It’s a rare form of pounamu speckled or streaked with red through the stone.
Tahutahi: Also known as snow flake this is a bright coloured green, kind of stone with white cloud or snow-like inclusions
Kahurangi: Very rare in New Zealand, Kaurangi is a jewellery grade carving stone, that is generally a rich green with no inclusions.
Kokopu: Is named after the native trout. A light-coloured opaque stone with obvious brown inclusions.
Tangiwai: This stone is actually a bowenite not nephrite like the other Pounamu mentioned in this description. however, it is still regarded as pounamu.
Raukarara: “Flower jade”, named after the blossom of the Karaka tree. Is found only in the Marsden area of the west coast of the South Island. This stone has stunning inclusions and different colours flowing through the stone.
