Pounamu - A stone of many colours
Maori classify pounamu according to its colours, markings, and translucency. There are many local names for different pounamu, but four main varieties are widely recognised by iwi (tribes): inanga, kahurangi, kawakawa, and tangiwai.
Within each of these four groups, the range in the appearance of the pounamu is endless. More than one variety can also exist within one stone.
Here, you can see examples of natural and worked pounamu from these main varieties. Several other kinds of pounamu are recognised, such as the distinctive spotted kokopu on display.
He kohatu kakano-tini
Ko ta te Maori wehewehe i te pounamu kei te ahua o te kano, o nga koiraira me te whakatiaho. He maha nga ingoa a-takiwa mo nga pounamu rereke, otira e wha nga momo matua e mohiotia nuitia ana e nga iwi katoa: ko te inanga, ko te kahurangi, ko te kawakawa, me te tangiwai.
I roto i enei wehenga e wha, he tini nga momo ahuatanga pounamu. He maha ke atu i te ahuatanga kotahi i roto i te momo kohatu kotahi.
I konei ka kite koe i etahi tauira o nga pounamu no te aoturoa, me etahi pounamu i tareia e te ringa tangata, i enei momo matua. Ara ano nga momo pounamu e mohiotia ana, penei me te kokopu me ona kotingotingo, e whakaaria atu nei.
Hei tiki (pendant in human form) 1700-1847
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Inanga pounamu is described as pearly-white or grey-green, and varies from translucent to opaque. more>
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Toki poutangata (ceremonial nephrite adze blade) 1500-1820
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Kahurangi is the rarest variety of pounamu. It is highly translucent and often comes in vivid shades of green. more>
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Manaia (neck pendant) 1850-1900
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Kawakawa is the most common variety of pounamu. It comes in many shades – from strong rich green to dark green – and often has small dark flecks, called inclusions, which add to its character. more>
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Tangiwai pebble
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Tangiwai is clear like glass, and ranges from olive-green to bluish-green in colour. Geologically, tangiwai is the most ancient form of pounamu. more>
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Mere Kokopu (nephrite weapon) 1997
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There are many varieties of pounamu in addition to the four main groups. more>
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