NZ Greenstone Large Kōuma Breastplate Pendant (CA706) Rimu Pounamu
Incredible Rimu Pounamu Kōuma with the Matariki star cluster which has been done with subtle pearlescent resign to give it a star like shine in the sun. Carved by Dean Taylor.
Measurements:
49 mm length
84 mm width
10 mm depth
Matariki, or Ngā mata o te ariki Tāwhirimātea (The eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea), is a cluster of stars that signal the Māori new year. It is a time to reconnect and come together with our whānau, bid farewell to the dead, celebrate the gift of the present, and plan for the future. Each star represents an aspect of our environment. As Te Iwa o Matariki makes a return in our skies, a prediction is made for the coming year. This prediction can advise us on how best to plant, hunt, and harvest in the year ahead.
Breast plates or Shield give a strong sense of protection and give the wearer a feeling of calm and well being.
The sacred stone of Aotearoa. Pounamu of this beautiful land encompasses nephrite jade, serpentine, and tangiwai (bowenite). To the Māori of New Zealand, Pounamu (greenstone) is more than just a stone, it is a taonga (treasure) woven into the spiritual and cultural fabric of their ancestors. Revered as a gift from the gods, it carries the mana (prestige) of the land and the strength of the rivers.
When worn close to the skin it absorbs your wairua (spirit); over time its lustre deepens along with the bond between wearer and stone. Pounamu is a gift from the heart and as such should be worn or displayed with respect and pride.
Comes with an adjustable cord and a jute drawstring bag.
This will be the exact piece you will receive in the photos, there may be a slight degree of colour variation based on different computer or mobile phone screen resolutions that you are viewing from.
FAQs
Yes, We source our Greenstone from the West Coast of the South Island.
We get this question a lot and it is up to the individual beliefs around this. We do have many customers who are perfectly happy to buy their own, and just as many who would never do so. It's important to do what feels right for you; you will never enjoy the piece if in the back of your mind you are worried about it bringing bad luck! You may just have to be patient a little longer until someone gifts you one of your own.
One thought about this practice of gifting is it may come from a long-held belief that, as one wears the Pounamu, it absorbs part of the person's wairua or spirit. It becomes part of the wearer, and when handed down through generations, it continues to take on a little of each person. In this sense, it almost becomes an ancestor itself so it is considered so incredibly special and sacred that these pieces would only be gifted. It is a great honour to be receiving a gift of Pounamu, and one thing we love is how much through and love goes into picking a piece for someone they cherish. It is a wonderful gift from the heart.
The carvers do perform a karakia as part of the carving process. But we leave the more personal blessings up to the customers as everyone is a little different on how or by whom they wish to do the blessing. There is no right or wrong way of going about this, but we would suggest having someone who is spiritually significant to you or the person who will receive it, so it has even more significance to the wearer.
Yes, we do offer custom carvings. Just get in touch and we'd be more than happy to discover your Greenstone vision.
Hear from our happy customers
My pounamu needed to be restrung. After looking online the Greenstone shop seemed the most reasonably priced even though I would have to post my pounamu. The service was so fast and efficient and the communication was excellent. My pounamu cord is better than it's ever been. Thank you so much team.
Wow amazing, I ordered yesterday and I received it in Australia today. Quicker than the local post. I purchased this for my granddaughters 18th birthday and I am sure she will love and treasure it. I am usually weary of buying online but this is more beautiful in person than the photos. Thanks to the Greenstone Shop and the carver for such wonderful service and work 🤩😍
