This baby and child size Ngai Tahu Greenstone Bracelet is a lovely gift for the newborn baby, as well as older children. There is also a larger bracelet available, to give to the mum. See the second photo.
The bracelet comes with a certificate of authenticity, proving it is Ngai Tahu pounamu. You can view the piece of stone it was made from, as well as get info on the carvers and origins of the stone.
The stone used for this bracelet is called Hapopo. Its colour ranges from medium green to a dark forest green, and it has a characteristic mottled appearance. The name originates from Ka Umu o Hapopo (Big Bay), located in South Westland.
It is an adjustable bracelet with sliding knots, so can go from new born size and grow with the child. The piece of pounamu measures approximately 3.2cm x 1.1cm (1 1/4' x 1/2'). And the circumference will go up to about 18cm.
The South Island of New Zealand (Maori name Te Waipounamu - the Greenstone Isle), is the only place where NZ greenstone (pounamu) is found. The stone is a taonga (treasure) to Ngai Tahu, and in particular the people of Te Tai o Poutini, the West Coast of the South Island, where most greenstone is found and carved.
The stone began its journey millions of years ago, as the mountains of Te Waipounamu formed over time, pushing narrow bands of pounamu filled earth to the surface. From here, the movement of rivers and glaciers broke pieces of pounamu away from its host rock.
A lovely gift to treasure.
