Pounamu breast plate

Type Pounamu:-Kawakawa named after New Zealand Kawakawa tree.

Measurements: 90 mm or 9 cm length.

Black wax cord lashing adjustable.

Pounamu has been blessed by Carver.

Koru design carved into Pounamu.

Comes in leather bound box with white inner pad.

Pounamu, commonly known as New Zealand greenstone or jade, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, especially for the Māori people of New Zealand. When fashioned into a breastplate, Pounamu becomes more than just an ornamental piece; it is a powerful symbol of identity, protection, and connection to the earth and ancestors.
Meaning of the Pounamu Breastplate

Symbol of Mana (Prestige and Authority):
Pounamu is highly valued among the Māori and is often associated with mana, a concept that represents prestige, authority, and spiritual power. A Pounamu breastplate, typically worn by leaders or individuals of high status, serves as a physical manifestation of their mana. It is not just an accessory but a reflection of the wearer's standing within the community.

Connection to Whakapapa (Ancestry):
The breastplate is also a symbol of connection to one's whakapapa, or genealogy. Pounamu is often passed down through generations as a treasured heirloom, carrying with it the stories, history, and spiritual essence of the ancestors. Wearing a Pounamu breastplate can invoke a sense of continuity, linking the wearer to their lineage and the collective memory of their people.

Protection and Guidance:
Traditionally, Pounamu is believed to possess protective qualities. A breastplate made from this sacred stone is thought to protect the wearer from physical and spiritual harm. It also serves as a spiritual guide, offering clarity, strength, and wisdom in challenging situations. The stone's inherent toughness and resilience symbolize the strength and durability that the wearer is expected to embody.

Symbol of Peace and Resolution:
Pounamu is sometimes gifted as a symbol of peace and reconciliation. In this context, a breastplate can represent the resolution of conflicts and the forging of new, harmonious relationships. The act of gifting Pounamu is deeply meaningful, as it signifies trust, respect, and the desire for lasting peace.

Spiritual Meaning of the Pounamu Breastplate

Connection to Papatūānuku (Earth Mother):
Pounamu is considered a taonga (treasure) of Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother in Māori cosmology. Wearing a Pounamu breastplate is a way to maintain a physical and spiritual connection to the land. It represents a deep respect for nature and the life-sustaining forces of the earth. The wearer is reminded of their role as a guardian of the land and their responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations.

Spiritual Cleansing and Energy:
The Pounamu stone is believed to carry a special energy that can cleanse and balance the wearer's spirit. The breastplate, worn close to the heart, is thought to help align the wearer's spiritual and physical selves, promoting inner peace, harmony, and a clear sense of purpose. It acts as a conduit for spiritual energy, helping the wearer to remain grounded and focused.

Sacred Craftsmanship:
The process of crafting a Pounamu breastplate is itself a spiritual journey. The stone is often carved with intricate designs, each with its own meaning and significance. The act of carving is considered a sacred practice, with the carver infusing their mana and intentions into the piece. This spiritual craftsmanship ensures that the breastplate is more than just a piece of jewelry; it is a sacred object imbued with the spirit of both the stone and the carver.

Tūrangawaewae (Place of Belonging):
For the Māori, Tūrangawaewae represents one's place of standing, where one feels empowered and connected. A Pounamu breastplate can serve as a physical reminder of this concept, helping the wearer feel grounded in their identity and secure in their place within the world. It symbolizes belonging, both to the land and to the community.

In summary, the Pounamu breastplate carries profound meanings related to identity, protection, spirituality, and connection to ancestry and the earth. It is a powerful symbol of the Māori cultural heritage, embodying the values, beliefs, and spiritual essence of the people who wear it.