Story: Pounamu – jade or greenstone

Touchstone, Te Papa

Touchstone, Te Papa

This pounamu boulder, known as Mauri, is at Rongomaraeroa, the marae at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. It was gifted by the Ngāi Tahu people, the traditional guardians of pounamu. It is said that the wairua or spirit of the stone protects traditional Māori values in all ceremonies that take place on the marae.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: E.002656/22

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Basil Keane, 'Pounamu – jade or greenstone - Ngāi Tahu and pounamu', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/7673/touchstone-te-papa (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Basil Keane, published 12 Jun 2006