Each jade, pounamu, greenstone carving shape holds a different meaning or significance in Māori culture.

Carving Meanings

Bonz N Stonz Jade Carving Studio

Each jade, pounamu, greenstone carving shape holds a different meaning or significance in Māori culture.

Toki

The Toki carving design symbolises determination, control, strength, focus, and honour.

Its shape represents an axe head.

Fish Hook

The fish hook in Māori culture represents prosperity, fertility, and safe passage over water.

Wearing a fish hook pendant is said to symbolise strength and determination. It is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and good health.

Jade Pounamu Greenstone Fish Hook Pendant

Shark Tooth

The Shark Tooth carving design symbolises masculinity and provides strength to the wearer. It is a talisman that brings good fortune to the wearer and provides protection.

Jade Pounamu Greenstone Shark Tooth Pendant

Koru

The Koru is a spiral shape based on the appearance of a new unfurling silver fern frond. It symbolises new life, growth, strength, and peace.

Bonz N Stonz Carving Studio - Koru pendant

Pikorua – The Twist

Pikorua – The Twist represents the path of life and love.

It symbolises the joining of lives in love and friendship for eternity.

Jade Pounamu Greenstone Twist Pendant

Roimata – Drop

Roimata encourages knowledge, confidence, and independence. It gives positive energy, helps to heal and is often called the comfort stone.

Jade Pounamu Greenstone Drop Pendant

Manaia

A symbol of power, Manaia carvings have the head of a bird, a human body, followed by the tail of a fish. It represents the sky, earth, and sea. This is a spiritual piece used to protect the wearer and bring good luck into their life.

Bonz N Stonz Carving Studio - Jade pendant for sale

Mere (War Club)

Mere is a war club that gives the wearer courage to face and achieve anything in life.

It symbolises authority and functioned as a status symbol/ranking.

Mere (War Club)

The Breastplate

The Breastplate carving gives the wearer strength, serving as a shield and offering protection.

Hei Tiki

An ancestral piece considered a taonga (treasure) by Māori. They serve as memorials to ancestors and are traditionally passed down through families from parent to child. They provide protection as well as good luck.

Jade Pounamu Greenstone Shark Whale Hei Tiki Pendant

 

Porohita – The Disc

This jade carving represents the circle of life, which is neverending. It symbolises endless opportunities.

Whale tail

The Whale Tail is a symbol of protection and strength. It is a sign of respect for the sea and provides safety when travelling over water.

Jade Pounamu Greenstone Shark Whale TailPendant