Pūtātara (CE441)
Stunning Pūtātara. Made locally.
Measurements:
135 mm height
402 mm length (only shell-281mm, mouthpiece-108mm)
187 mm width
The pūtātara was an ancient instrument used for long-distance communication. Crafted from conch or triton shells washed ashore, it featured a carved wooden mouthpiece bound with muka (flax fibre) thongs and was often adorned with beautiful feathers. Combining shell and wood symbolised the union of the mighty gods Tane (God of the Forest) and Tangaroa (God of the Sea). Producing a powerful sound that travelled far across the landscape, the pūtātara was held in high regard as a treasured heirloom.
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 🤩😍
