Vintage poumanu nephrite jade toki pendant, ombre pattern

A vintage poumanu nephrite jade toki pendant from New Zealand, beautifully carved to highlight the patterns in this flower jade.

This adze shape which was traditionally used in Maori culture was both a weapon and important ceremonial tool (particularly when carved from poumanu) and is believed to represent mana, reverence, strength and bravery.

Poumanu, which refers to New Zealand nephrite and sometimes bowenite naturally occurring only on the South Island, has been prized for centuries in Maori culture. Known as a taonga (treasure), poumanu is revered as a sacred material and items carved from it such as weapons, jewellery and talismans are passed down as family heirlooms, only given on important occasions. Those pieces carried by chieftains to denote their authority were considered to carry such potent mana (spiritual power and/or prestige/status) that they were tribal heirlooms, given only on major occasions such as the sealing of peace agreements.

Poumanu remains highly prized today; in 2011, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key presented then US President Barack Obama with a ceremonial poumanu wahaika (a traditional Māori weapon) carved by NZ artist Aden Hoglund.

Price marked at $120 AUD.

Measurements: 4 cm pendant length.

Excellent vintage condition, minimal wear overall commensurate with age.