A wonderful Kapeu handcrafted from a stunning piece of (Nelson) Te Tau Ihu Inanga Pounamu. A beautiful carving with awesome colour and patterns so unique to Nelson Region Pounamu, this will be a treasured taonga.
Kapeu
features a softly curved lower edge, while the upper part can be straight or slightly convex. A single hole near the top allows it to be suspended from a cord and rest against the wearer’s chest. Traditionally crafted from pounamu, bone, or occasionally wood, the kapeu was a sign of high rank and status within Māori society. It embodied the mana (prestige and power) of the wearer and was likely reserved for chiefs and important individuals. The act of wearing a kapeu signified leadership, authority, and the ability to protect and provide for one’s people. Kapeu made from pounamu were sometimes used by traditional healers, believed to soothe the gums of teething infants.
Inanga- Pounamu takes its name from a freshwater fish native to New Zealand. It is pale and often transparent, like the young of the Inanga fish. It is pearly white to grey green in colour, and ranges from translucent to quite opaque. It can change colour over time, developing a light olive tint as it ages and oxidises - Highly prized by the Māori and the desired material for making Mere and Patu.
Pounamu
can benefit the wearer on many levels. Physically Pounamu is a healing crystal. It differs from Jadeite in that it heals all chakras and brings strength to all areas which are weakened in the body. Pounamu has a protective nature. It offers protection when travelling.
Hand Carved by Deane Moreton
Size 83mm long x 30mm wide
This will be the exact piece you will receive in the photos, there may be a slight degree of colour variation based on different computer or device screen resolutions that you are viewing from.
