Mum wearing my Hei Matau
History of Pounamu:
Pounamu carvings (Nephrite Jade/Greenstone) are extremely special to Kiwis. The West Coast/Fiordland region of the South Island, is the only place in NZ where this amazing stone is found.
And only certain Maori Tribe members are allowed to remove this precious stone from its source, and create works of art from it.
You can buy Jade pendants in a lot of places in NZ. However they are usually using overseas sourced Jade, and are aimed at the tourist market.
For authentic NZ pounamu carvings and pendants, you have to find a gallery/workshop. They are owned by some incredibly talented and special people
My Hei Matau:
When my Dad died 6 months ago, we were talking about jewellery as a momento of Dad. My sister & Mum both wanted necklace pendants that would hold some of Dad's ashes.
My brother of course, inherited Dad's Toki pounamu. It is a large carving/pendant, around 4 inches in height.
I didn't really want a fine jewellery pendant that could break off and end up lost. I wanted something more solid.
Dad had always been into freshwater fishing. It was a past time that I shared with him, and we had plenty of trips fishing together. It was something that only Dad and I enjoyed in our family.
So of course, I then decided a hei matau (fish hook) pounamu pendant, would be my perfect momento of Dad. These pendants are made in order to be worn at all times, wet or dry, and they have life-proof cords.
Mum & I visited Garth Wilson, a local carver out of Greymouth today. Mum was too emotional to talk
so I for once, did all the talking. I explained why I wanted the pendant, and what I wanted.He is an incredibly talented artist. All his carvings are designed and carved by himself. Usually the Hei Matau has an open hook. Some of his designs, had the hook overlapping - creating a Pikorua design on top.
Pikorua/Twist: Represents the paths of life and love. Also the joining of lives in love or friendship for eternity. Though sometimes you will be apart you will always come back together
Hei Matau: Represents strength and determination. It brings peace, prosperity, good health and provides safe travel, especially over water
I absolutely love that the pendant I chose, has both of these characteristics. It is approx 2 inches in length.
As qualities from the wearer of Pounamu pass on down - Mum is wearing my Pounamu for a night, and passing it on to me, tomorrow.
