If you're looking for a reason to buy something meaningful, and haven't quite made your mind up yet, here are some reasons to gift pounamu. From supporting local artists to the deep meaning associated with the stone, pounamu is a truly amazing gift to give.
Every piece is one-of-a-kind
Our pieces are handcrafted with love
A gift that will last
Forever connected with a loved one
Supporting local artists
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Hand carved
Smooth lines, soft finishes, no scratches and no cuts.
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The Niho is a symbol of guardianship, trust and protection.
The Niho (Tooth) design depicts the ocean’s most powerful creatures.In Māori culture, whales were considered gifts of the ocean and believed to be treasures cast onto the beach by Tangaroa (god of the sea). Sharks also play a role in Māori mythology and are symbolic of guardianship, trust and protection.
Gift, with love
Every detail of our packaging is thoughtfully curated, from sustainable, low-ink, recyclable materials to personalised touches like mini-meaning cards and artist profiles. For an extra special touch, our Premium Gift Wrapping service means we wrap your piece in elegant kraft paper, tied with natural string and a woven jute ribbon.
Akapita Scally
The artist behind this creationFuelled by the love of seeing his ideas come to life in pounamu, Akapita Scally carefully considers design flow and significance when creating his signature pieces known for their meticulous finish and radiating beauty.
As a part of Rotorua’s carving industry for the past decade, Aka has had the privilege of working alongside some of the town’s finest pounamu artists. His designs are notable for their perfect lines and exemplary finishing, and he is particularly skilled at reflecting traditional forms whilst pushing contemporary boundaries.
Akapita is from Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāti Rangitihi.
A talisman connected to Māori mythology, the Niho symbolises strength, leadership and resilience, and is commonly associated with two animals - the whale and the shark.
Niho (Tooth)
Traditionally, whale teeth are important cultural objects throughout the Pacific. When a whale washed up onto the shores, Māori would use its meat as food, the blubber as preserving oil, and the bones and teeth were carved into adornments and weaponry. Mako (shark tooth adornments) were also highly esteemed and treasured by Māori and often worn from the ear. Today, we carve whale and shark necklaces from beautiful pieces of greenstone to continue with tradition and connect people with their history, heritage and land.