Pounamu whakapapa (genealogy)

All things within the Māori world view derive their existence and unique place in the world through whakapapa (genealogy). Whakapapa connects people to one another, and also to the natural world in which they live.

In 1849, Matiaha Tiramorehu (Ngāi Tahu tribe) recorded the whakapapa of Te Pounemu (pounamu). He traced its descent from the atua (gods), showing it to be a child of Takaroa (Tangaroa, god of the sea). The mother of Te Pounemu is said to be either Te Anuwai or Te Anumatao, depending on the source of the whakapapa.

Te Anumatao
|
Te Anuwhakarere
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Te Anuwhakatoro
|
Te Anuwai
|
Takaroa
|
Te Pounemu

 

 

 

Image 1: Big Bay.  Photograph by Andris Apse, reproduced courtesy of Te Rūnanga o Ngai Tāhu

Image 2: Cascade River.  Photograph by Andris Apse, reproduced courtesy of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu

Image 3: Hokitika River.  Photograph by Andris Apse, reproduced courtesy of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu

Image 4: Pakiroa (Barrytown) coast.  Photograph by Andris Apse, reproduced courtesy of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu

Image 5: Taramakau River.  Photograph by Andris Apse, reproduced courtesy of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu