Blogg task week 4

Ben Beattie

Pounamu

Dated 2012 size: 6 cm wide

What I personally like and enjoy about this piece of work, is that its famously recognised  as an New Zealand jewellery icon, Green stone widely known as a form of green nephrite jade found in the South Island of New Zealand.

Also because the designs used in Maori artwork ( necklaces, pendants, wood carvings, tattoo, etc) all carry a spiritual meaning.  Early Maori did not have a written history, so their arts and crafts took on the role of being a record of spiritual values and beliefs, as well as a historical family record. 

Bone and greenstone jade ( pounamu) pendants and necklaces, worn against the skin and passed down through the generations, were believed to absorb the spirit of the person who wore them, making them a powerful connection to people passed.

Hei Tiki

Dated 2012 size 7cm wide

Meaning of Hei-Tiki:

The Maori believe Hei-Tiki was the first man in the Maori world; he came from the stars. Hei-Tiki is a powerful good-luck symbol. Tilted head is thinking, hand is strength, mouth communication, heart is love and loins fertility. The wearer of the Hei-Tiki is assumed to be clear-thinking, perceptive, loyal and knowledgeable; their strength is their character.

Materials used:

The kinds of stone formerly employed for stone tools were rehu (?flint), pounamu (nephrite), mataa(quartz, flint), and onewa; while fine parts of carving were finished with minute toki made of shells, such as those of the paua, kororiwha, andtoitoi.