For hundreds of years, tangata whenua (the people of the land) have heralded pounamu as a sacred stone.

It has been traditionally used to create jewellery, weapons and pieces of precious art for people to have as taonga (treasure) in their homes.

Today, the history of this craft lives on through the wares that we create at Moko Pounamu. Our work draws from the deep and rich history of Māoridom, allowing you to embrace the culture of Aotearoa and draw strength and beauty from our unique carvings.

Craftmanship is our priority, with over 15 skilled carvers contributing work to our Moko shop. Each of our artists make their products with love and care from natural materials.

Each stone is distinctive, with our carvers assessing each piece of pounamu to let the spirit and energy inspire their design. Many of our artists talk about how their pounamu speaks to them, with Hohepa Brown saying “I let the stone guide me.”

“I let the stone guide me.”

Traditionally, the craft of carving has been passed down through families, with a hub of activity around the West Coast, where pounamu is found in abundance.

Moko Pounamu owner Deane Moreton has lived experience of that tradition, having learnt his trade from his father, when he grew his talents working in the family greenstone business.

The artform can be done using basic tools, files and small chisels, with professional carvers using saws, grinders and rotary tools, which are needed for larger and more detailed pieces.

Here at Moko Pounamu we have our own studio, where our carvers can express their talents on-site. Carving is a very personal art form, and our artists share their vision through their work, putting their own statement on each piece of pounamu they carve.

You can view a special range of artistic carvings here, each embellished with a creative twist.

For carver Sheree Warren, “each piece of stone I work deserves huge respect, no matter what type it is.”

“As a carver, I recognize that once I work the stone, I become part of its journey and evolution through time. What I create will survive well beyond me.”

With pieces to treasure for generations to come, you can pick your own precious taonga here.

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