Pounamu

42 inches x 42 inches in length

Green coque and white hen colours taken from rock found in the rivers of the South Island

It is considered a taonga (treasure). taonga increase in mana (prestige) as they pass from one generation to another. The most prized taonga are those with known histories going back many generations. These are believed to have their own mana and were often given as gifts to seal important agreements.