These beautiful Pounamu Pito cutter sets include a sharpened Inanga Pounamu sourced from the South Island, a naturally gathered, hand tied Muka Tie, and Rimu wooden cutting board presented in a hand make flax kete.
Pito cutters
are ceremonial stones made to cut old ties and welcome new life into this world. Traditionally they were tools used by Tapuhi (midwives) to sever the umbilical cord.
Muka Pito Ties
make a great natural and eco friendly alternative to conventional cord clamps. They are easy to use, and they are soft on babies skin and don't tangle in nappies and clothing. Muka is also renowned for its antibacterial properties. Our muka ties are made from 100% natural Flax products. The muka is gathered, prepared and woven in a traditional and sustainable manner by our specialist weaver here in Otautahi.
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 crafted by Deane Moreton
Pito tie crafted by Alice Spittle
Please note that you will receive a "fresh" muka tie - please keep this in the freezer until you need it -
you will receive a stone similar to the one photographed, not exactly the same.
