Kaiapoi pā, at the eastern end of routes across the Southern Alps, became the centre of working and trading in the prized stone pounamu (greenstone, or New Zealand jade). The stone was carried from the Arahura River in Westland across what is now Harper Pass to Kaiapoi, and from there it was traded throughout New Zealand. This magnificent greenstone hei tiki (ornament) was found at Kaiapoi pā.
Using this item
Canterbury Museum
Reference:
E163.254
Permission of Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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