Story: Pounamu – jade or greenstone

Kapeu – ear pendant (2nd of 3)

Kapeu – ear pendant

The version of the ear pendant, the kapeu, has a slight bend at the bottom. It was highly prized and a sign of high rank in Māori society. The chief featured on the New Zealand coat of arms wears a kapeu.

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Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

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How to cite this page:

Basil Keane, 'Pounamu – jade or greenstone - Implements and adornment', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/7683/kapeu-ear-pendant (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Basil Keane, published 12 Jun 2006