The Creation of Pounamu: Tears of the Earth Mother
Aroha in Stone
According to tradition, pounamu was born from Papatūānuku herself. One legend describes how her tears of sorrow and joy flowed into the rivers of Te Waipounamu (the South Island) after her separation from Ranginui (the Sky Father).
These tears crystalised into pounamu, imbuing the stone with her mauri (life force) and mana (spiritual power).
Another narrative tells of her children, the atua (gods) crafting pounamu from her bones as a symbol of her enduring presence. This is why pounamu is often called the "blood of Papatūānuku" or "kōhatu whakairo" (the living stone), revered as a physical fragment of her essence.
Tāne Mahuta (god of forests) used pounamu to create the first humans after separating Papatūānuku and Ranginui.
He shaped their eyes from pounamu to reflect the wisdom and clarity of the Earth Mother, ensuring humans would always carry her guidance.
This legend reinforces why pounamu is gifted to mothers and children - it is a reminder of their sacred bond to the land and each other.
Symbolism for Mothers and Whānau
Papatūānuku’s role as the nurturing Earth Mother mirrors the sacred role of human mothers. Just as she sustains all life, pounamu is seen as a vessel of her strength, protection, and unconditional love.
Key connections include:
- Strength and Resilience: Pounamu’s hardness and durability reflect a mother’s enduring spirit.
- Connection to Ancestors: As Papatūānuku links all living things to the past, pounamu carries the stories of those who wore it before.
- Healing and Growth: Like the Earth Mother’s regenerative power, pounamu is believed to absorb negative energy and foster emotional healing.
The Art of Choosing Pounamu
When selecting pounamu for a mother, consider:
- Personal Connection: If you need help to choose a piece with a particularly personal connection, please talk to our team for assistance. We are always happy to help in our shop, over the phone or online.
- Presentation: Our handcrafted wooden boxes and woven flax kete are designed to honour the mana of each taonga, making them perfect for gifting.
Mothers are the heartbeat of our families, and pounamu is the heartbeat of Aotearoa. Whether celebrating a birth, a milestone, or simply the everyday strength of motherhood, a pounamu taonga speaks a universal language of aroha that lasts across generations.
"He taonga te mokopuna, he taonga te pounamu."
(Grandchildren are treasures, as is pounamu.)
Māori Whakatauki
Moko Pounamu Knowledge Library
