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Pounamu (Greenstone)

Pounamu (Greenstone)

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Western Bay Museum

A wedge-shaped piece of pounamu (greenstone), probably a leftover piece from jewelry making as it has been cut. A rich and intense dark green colour with some lighter and darker inclusions and streaks. Due to this colouring resembling the leaves of the kawakawa plant, it is possibly of the type known as Kawakawa pounamu. This is the most common pounamu variety and is a very popular stone for carving because of its abundance and ability to hold most shapes. In Māori culture, kawakawa pounamu is associated with strength, healing, and protection. The kawakawa plant itself is traditionally used in Māori medicine for its healing properties, so the pounamu named after it carries similar connotations of health and well-being. This type of pounamu is often used in creating tools, weapons, and jewelry, and it is considered a powerful symbol of resilience and vitality. https://oronegro.co.nz/collections/kawakawa-pounamu https://www.puawaijade.nz/types-of-pounamu/ https://www.mountainjade.co.nz/pages/types-of-pounamu-new-zealand

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Western Bay Museum

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Western Bay Museum

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  • Text adapted with permission from Te Papa and Digital NZ

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