I temporarily moved to america and my first hei toki pounamu just arrived from aotearoa. Having a piece of home sent to me by family means the world to me. Thank you for making these videos, and the beautiful carvings, i know they must love them!
I was gifted a black pounamu manaia. I will never be allowed to live in NZ apart from the occasional holiday so this is my connection to your beautiful lands. Deepest thanks and appreciation ❤
I bought one for myself because I don't have anyone who knows about pounamu. I visited NZ two years ago, I fell in love with the culture, the history, the nature. I never got myself one there as I knew about it having to be a gift, instead I bought some and gifted them to some friends. I chanced across one today though on Etsy and it really spoke to me and brought a tonne of memories back from NZ. It was a Toki with a beautiful symbol carved in the front. I bought it as a pendant of vitality and mana for myself, to be a symbol of carving myself a great future during uncertain times and to keep me strong of body, mind and soul.
I bought my pounamu koru from a carver when I was a high school exchange student living in Christchurch. I wanted a gift from myself at that time for my future self to be able to forever carry the memory and experience of my time and life in Aotearoa. Afterward someone told me I wasn’t supposed to buy pounamu for myself, and I felt guilty about it until my kapa haka teacher told me about kaupapa and the intention being more important than any specific rule. Since then my pounamu has only brought me strength and comfort. I found your channel because my pounamu, and the bone hei matau that I designed and carved as a future gift to my first child in my Te Reo class, both desperately need to be restrung these nearly twenty years later. My seven-year-old wears his hei matau with great pride. Thank you for your wonderful content, and for helping us be able to enjoy our taonga with new and (hopefully, if I get it right 😂) beautiful cordings.
I've always felt weird about buying for yourself. I am pakeha, but a lot of my whanau are maori and their consensus has always been it is a gift. I have a pounamu which is my most prized possession. In Taranaki where my aunty is buried, there is a big piece of pounamu in her gravestone. Each member of the family got a piece to maintain a connection with her. Most of us live far away and can't visit her whenever we feel like it, so having a piece of her gravestone with us is very special. No other piece could ever have that significance, so even if I see a piece I love I just can't buy it.
Loved this man well said and you’re skills are awesome I’m a kiwi who now lives in Australia I wear my stone to show people where im from and I’m proud to be kiwi . I have just found you as I’m learning to make a new wax necklace for mine and I will learn to do that today thanks to you . I haven’t seen any of your recent vids yet … may I suggest you tilt your camera a little and not cut off you’re head a basic rule of thumb is to keep eyes top third of the screen you’re on the money just a little more head room to up you’re production .
I was lucky enough to meet an old carver who told me that when I was ready then the stone/stones would find me, it wasn't as much about the stepping stone of how it got there by gift/found/bought, the story is between me *the caretaker* and the stone piece. I have at present 4 Pounamu that I wear *ring/bracelet/Toki* that represent people in my life *past and present* and also a Aotea stone that I wear close to my heart which represents my mother who has passed. I guess it depends on the persons intention for and to the stone, there is a big difference between a deep connection to a stone than someone wanting a stone to be a show off.
Approximately 20 years ago I bought a handbag at a opp shop here in Australia. When i got home i began to put my wallet etc in the bag and upon openings up the inner zipper section i found a tear shaped jade necklace with snapped leather cord. Seeing it was beautiful i put it in my jewel box with my other little treasures. I have come across it many times over the years and thought little beyond its so beautiful to touch. My hubby and i are downsizing and i came across it again this morning. For some reason i thought i must look up what this is. So here i am 5 hours later having done some reading, listened and watched some of your youtube. Its been a interesting, informative morning. I now know its a flat back rounded Pounamu. Very sad for the person who lost it. Thank you for the insightful knowledge.
@@CampbellCarving Thank you for the reply Campbell. Yes, I think it is right to gift forward or maybe even wear myself. It feels so beautiful to hold. Best wishes, Linda
I have a Pounamu rosary ring I purchased from a carver in New Zealand. My intentions for it was for meditation as well as passing down as a family heirloom.
I bought my self a niki nepia kahurangi tiki.. cos he made it, it’s kahurangi, and it looks beautiful.. I’m sure if someone else had bought me one, it wouldn’t give me the joy, my chosen one does
Even though I have no Polynesian ancestry (I chose my internet handle because my family’s history in Hawaiʻi goes back over a century), I have always admired the culture and have worn multiple bone makau from Hawaiʻi that represent various life events. I am, however, of partial Chinese descent, and jade represents similar concepts of longevity and spirituality in Chinese culture. If I were ever to come into possession of a pounamu taonga, I would like to think wearing it would represent the significance it holds in both cultures.
@@CampbellCarving Hello again. Me and other members of my family have had a tense relationship with another member, and despite this fact I was recently encouraged by them to provide entertainment at his wedding (I’m a musician, though not professionally). To my surprise, he not only complimented me but also offered to pay me for it. I was considering using this to purchase a hei toki for myself to represent overcoming my initial apprehension as well as taking the initiative in mending a strained relationship with a family member. Do you think this would be an appropriate occasion and kaupapa for the piece in question?
I bought an authentic Jade online I have a strong feeling that I want him very bad.. I can't keep my eyes away.. I stared a minute... Kinda weird.. after I bought it the seller gave me a free jade ring.. I Felt lucky to have them both..
i notice on reddit on r/newzealand a recurring question of: can i wear pounamu if i am not Māori? Perhaps you would like to speak to this question one day? 💚
I’ve always wanted to wear a pounamu like a normal accessory, but never knew the rules and regulations about having one. So basically, will I be going against protocol if I were to purchase one from a store, online or in-store and wear it like an everyday thing? And would I have to get it blessed before I can wear it? My intention is to wear it as a piece that represents who I am, what my story is and as a proud reminder that I come from a beautiful culture ☺️
You will get different thoughts from different people. I say it's OK, especially if it has significant meaning for yourself. Getting it blessed is a good thing and best done by someone you connect with and that understands you and the intent of the pounamu.
I wear a rei puta quite often, im sure rangi kipa would be mad about it but ive not had anyone be upset. Its one thing to wear it as fashion and another thing to understand its cultural significance and carry a special meaning with it
It’s not an every day jewellery piece, it’s just not. They hold great meaning and they are typically gifted, that’s just the way things are. But if you were to get one yourself, I’d say definitely get it blessed!!! Though if you wear one, please be aware of its cultural significance and wear it proudly, not just for a fashion accessory, that’s not what they are.
Can someone buy rough pounamu in slabs or blocks to carve for people and make it even more meaningful. As in making a piece by hand for a loved one rather than buying a premade piece for them?
Absolutly you can, just got find the people who sell these, not always easy. Contact me through my website, I might have some if your interested. Campbellcarving.co.nz
Hey Campbell, I am Australian and I was gifted a wonderful Pounamu by my NZ sister in law. I wear it every day, however am unsure if it is culturally inappropriate for me to wear it outside my clothing? What do you think?
I'm hoping to buy a pounamu bracelet for myself with money given to me by someone very close to me who recently passed away, I'm wondering if this would be okay and if there is anything I could do when it arrives to cleanse it or give it significance? Many thanks.
Hi, pounamu is about making connections, buying a piece that connects you with someone who has passed is something that fits for me. I would perhaps consult with anyone else close as to what that piece should be so as to represent the person perhaps? Blessing is not my area of expertise, for me I get someone special who does know about this side of things to do it, using appropriate words and water is good too as that is where pounamu comes from. Hope that helps.
my pounamu has a hole a small one,how do i thread it though if its too small.? i thought so watching this video was cool, my whanau says i cant buy any bone or jade as its Tapu but i guess watching your video is pretty much the same reason why my my whanau dont allow it. i think.
Similiar to buying. Depends on your intention and the purpose of it. Making a significant piece for yourself is of more value than just something you like but there is nothing wrong with carving for yourself. Perhaps you are just holding a piece until the next owner comes along?
I`d like to ask a question on meanings and significance. I have been doing bone carving for a bit over a year. and my 10 y/o boy has started helping me. now we want to make a pair of Toki one for him and one for me, a project to do together. Do you have any thoughts one a way to symbolize father and son on each piece? one for father, one for the son. Or to symbolize father and son the same piece as a way of remembering we did it together. Thanks.
Hi, I recently have been having a turbulent life of drama and just things kept happening in life. I travelled to a place that gives me so much peace and I wanted a taonga that represents this serenity I been feeling while there. I am a descendant of Māori and was looking at something like bone or wood but nothing came to mind. I visited some shops, obviously talking about Tikanga behind greenstone and it's importance. So I was reluctant at first. In one shop I obviously was drawn to greenstone cabinet and before this occurred I was also talking to someone previously about a greenstones in Hokitika and a place to go one-day. I walk into this shop browsed a certain cabinet and felt to hold certain greenstones and if they were warm it was a good thing. However they were cold on touch then within a split decision I pointed to a greenstone at the back that pulled my eye to it. My intention was to bring a taonga from a place that brought peace and it's design was both Hook and koru markings within. The lady said it had been crafted in Hokitika. I was warm in my hand. I know greenstones are meant to be gifted. This one choose me by intuition. Of course I am going to get it blessed.
The same principles apply, it is about the intention and meaning you convey with it, making things for yourself have their own special energy and wairua.
That's what some believe, there are no quick answers with Te ao maori or any culture really, there are many layers of complexity, I have only scratched the surface really.
My family are a bunch of tin arses man I’m 34 and I’ve never got a pounamu gifted to me!! I never brought my own because I’m Māori and I know the tikanga maybe I’m just not worthy of one yet 😭
I temporarily moved to america and my first hei toki pounamu just arrived from aotearoa.
Having a piece of home sent to me by family means the world to me. Thank you for making these videos, and the beautiful carvings, i know they must love them!
Thanks for sharing!
I was gifted a black pounamu manaia. I will never be allowed to live in NZ apart from the occasional holiday so this is my connection to your beautiful lands. Deepest thanks and appreciation ❤
Great to hear connections like this are special!
I bought one for myself because I don't have anyone who knows about pounamu. I visited NZ two years ago, I fell in love with the culture, the history, the nature. I never got myself one there as I knew about it having to be a gift, instead I bought some and gifted them to some friends. I chanced across one today though on Etsy and it really spoke to me and brought a tonne of memories back from NZ. It was a Toki with a beautiful symbol carved in the front. I bought it as a pendant of vitality and mana for myself, to be a symbol of carving myself a great future during uncertain times and to keep me strong of body, mind and soul.
That's a good kaupapa for a pounamu.
Your not supposed to do that it is meant to be a gift.
I bought my pounamu koru from a carver when I was a high school exchange student living in Christchurch. I wanted a gift from myself at that time for my future self to be able to forever carry the memory and experience of my time and life in Aotearoa. Afterward someone told me I wasn’t supposed to buy pounamu for myself, and I felt guilty about it until my kapa haka teacher told me about kaupapa and the intention being more important than any specific rule. Since then my pounamu has only brought me strength and comfort. I found your channel because my pounamu, and the bone hei matau that I designed and carved as a future gift to my first child in my Te Reo class, both desperately need to be restrung these nearly twenty years later. My seven-year-old wears his hei matau with great pride. Thank you for your wonderful content, and for helping us be able to enjoy our taonga with new and (hopefully, if I get it right 😂) beautiful cordings.
Awesome korero, thanks for sharing that, nga mihi.
I've always felt weird about buying for yourself. I am pakeha, but a lot of my whanau are maori and their consensus has always been it is a gift. I have a pounamu which is my most prized possession. In Taranaki where my aunty is buried, there is a big piece of pounamu in her gravestone. Each member of the family got a piece to maintain a connection with her. Most of us live far away and can't visit her whenever we feel like it, so having a piece of her gravestone with us is very special. No other piece could ever have that significance, so even if I see a piece I love I just can't buy it.
That is a such a deep and significant kaupapa, just what pounamu should be for. Love it. You are blessed to have that special connection with her.
@@CampbellCarving absolutely agree that’s so beautiful to have such a precious taonga🙏
Beautiful work and also great manaʻo on the meanings of the shapes and their significance.
Hi.good
Haiku, Maui!
@@Hoomaka Automatic!
wow nice collection sir.
Thank you
Loved this man well said and you’re skills are awesome
I’m a kiwi who now lives in Australia
I wear my stone to show people where im from and I’m proud to be kiwi .
I have just found you as I’m learning to make a new wax necklace for mine and I will learn to do that today thanks to you .
I haven’t seen any of your recent vids yet … may I suggest you tilt your camera a little and not cut off you’re head a basic rule of thumb is to keep eyes top third of the screen you’re on the money just a little more head room to up you’re production .
Thanks for thoughts e hoa. Hope the new necklace works out well for you. Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you for sharing. It helps all of us.
I was lucky enough to meet an old carver who told me that when I was ready then the stone/stones would find me, it wasn't as much about the stepping stone of how it got there by gift/found/bought, the story is between me *the caretaker* and the stone piece. I have at present 4 Pounamu that I wear *ring/bracelet/Toki* that represent people in my life *past and present* and also a Aotea stone that I wear close to my heart which represents my mother who has passed.
I guess it depends on the persons intention for and to the stone, there is a big difference between a deep connection to a stone than someone wanting a stone to be a show off.
Totally agree. Inte tion is the biggest influencer for pounamu.
Approximately 20 years ago I bought a handbag at a opp shop here in Australia. When i got home i began to put my wallet etc in the bag and upon openings up the inner zipper section i found a tear shaped jade necklace with snapped leather cord. Seeing it was beautiful i put it in my jewel box with my other little treasures. I have come across it many times over the years and thought little beyond its so beautiful to touch. My hubby and i are downsizing and i came across it again this morning. For some reason i thought i must look up what this is. So here i am 5 hours later having done some reading, listened and watched some of your youtube. Its been a interesting, informative morning. I now know its a flat back rounded Pounamu. Very sad for the person who lost it. Thank you for the insightful knowledge.
What a treasure to find in a serendipitous way. It must have been meant for you or for you to do something special with it.
@@CampbellCarving Thank you for the reply Campbell. Yes, I think it is right to gift forward or maybe even wear myself. It feels so beautiful to hold. Best wishes, Linda
I have a Pounamu rosary ring I purchased from a carver in New Zealand. My intentions for it was for meditation as well as passing down as a family heirloom.
Awesome kaupapa love it
@@CampbellCarving thank you, I have faith it’s the right intention for the carving and that it will last. God Bless 🙏
I have a mere pendant I bought for $2 from a place called save mart I saw it walked out then got a strong feeling to go back and get it
Cool that's what it is about, intuition is valuable.
I bought my self a niki nepia kahurangi tiki.. cos he made it, it’s kahurangi, and it looks beautiful.. I’m sure if someone else had bought me one, it wouldn’t give me the joy, my chosen one does
Exactly
Even though I have no Polynesian ancestry (I chose my internet handle because my family’s history in Hawaiʻi goes back over a century), I have always admired the culture and have worn multiple bone makau from Hawaiʻi that represent various life events. I am, however, of partial Chinese descent, and jade represents similar concepts of longevity and spirituality in Chinese culture. If I were ever to come into possession of a pounamu taonga, I would like to think wearing it would represent the significance it holds in both cultures.
That is a cool way to acknowledge and represent both of your lines of whakapapa
@@CampbellCarving Hello again. Me and other members of my family have had a tense relationship with another member, and despite this fact I was recently encouraged by them to provide entertainment at his wedding (I’m a musician, though not professionally). To my surprise, he not only complimented me but also offered to pay me for it. I was considering using this to purchase a hei toki for myself to represent overcoming my initial apprehension as well as taking the initiative in mending a strained relationship with a family member. Do you think this would be an appropriate occasion and kaupapa for the piece in question?
@@TheKalihiMan the only approval you need for this is your own. However I like the kaupapa too.
I bought an authentic Jade online I have a strong feeling that I want him very bad..
I can't keep my eyes away.. I stared a minute... Kinda weird.. after I bought it the seller gave me a free jade ring.. I Felt lucky to have them both..
i notice on reddit on r/newzealand a recurring question of: can i wear pounamu if i am not Māori? Perhaps you would like to speak to this question one day? 💚
Thanks for the idea, that sounds like something to put some thought into.
I’ve always wanted to wear a pounamu like a normal accessory, but never knew the rules and regulations about having one. So basically, will I be going against protocol if I were to purchase one from a store, online or in-store and wear it like an everyday thing? And would I have to get it blessed before I can wear it? My intention is to wear it as a piece that represents who I am, what my story is and as a proud reminder that I come from a beautiful culture ☺️
You will get different thoughts from different people. I say it's OK, especially if it has significant meaning for yourself. Getting it blessed is a good thing and best done by someone you connect with and that understands you and the intent of the pounamu.
I wear a rei puta quite often, im sure rangi kipa would be mad about it but ive not had anyone be upset. Its one thing to wear it as fashion and another thing to understand its cultural significance and carry a special meaning with it
Just buy one and leave the pretend nonsense in the garbage where it belongs. It's a rock not a puppy.
@@snigie1 this is incredibly disrespectful to my culture thanks
It’s not an every day jewellery piece, it’s just not. They hold great meaning and they are typically gifted, that’s just the way things are. But if you were to get one yourself, I’d say definitely get it blessed!!! Though if you wear one, please be aware of its cultural significance and wear it proudly, not just for a fashion accessory, that’s not what they are.
I like carving as a hobby. I need to buy a piece of pounamu to do some carving if I can buy any from you?
Send me a message through my site, will see what we can do. Campbellcarving.co.nz
Those are beautiful
Intention is so important
Absolutly totally agree
Can someone buy rough pounamu in slabs or blocks to carve for people and make it even more meaningful. As in making a piece by hand for a loved one rather than buying a premade piece for them?
Absolutly you can, just got find the people who sell these, not always easy. Contact me through my website, I might have some if your interested. Campbellcarving.co.nz
Hey Campbell, I am Australian and I was gifted a wonderful Pounamu by my NZ sister in law. I wear it every day, however am unsure if it is culturally inappropriate for me to wear it outside my clothing? What do you think?
Totally fine, people do it all the time.
What type of wax is the pounamu soaked in.
I'm hoping to buy a pounamu bracelet for myself with money given to me by someone very close to me who recently passed away, I'm wondering if this would be okay and if there is anything I could do when it arrives to cleanse it or give it significance? Many thanks.
Hi, pounamu is about making connections, buying a piece that connects you with someone who has passed is something that fits for me. I would perhaps consult with anyone else close as to what that piece should be so as to represent the person perhaps? Blessing is not my area of expertise, for me I get someone special who does know about this side of things to do it, using appropriate words and water is good too as that is where pounamu comes from. Hope that helps.
@@CampbellCarving thank you so much for getting back to me - and for all of yours thoughts and info.
my pounamu has a hole a small one,how do i thread it though if its too small.? i thought so watching this video was cool, my whanau says i cant buy any bone or jade as its Tapu but i guess watching your video is pretty much the same reason why my my whanau dont allow it. i think.
You can try this video for tips on getting cord through a tiny hole. ua-cam.com/video/tNLKKFegn7U/v-deo.html
@@CampbellCarving Thank you
What are your thoughts on carving for yourself?
Similiar to buying. Depends on your intention and the purpose of it. Making a significant piece for yourself is of more value than just something you like but there is nothing wrong with carving for yourself. Perhaps you are just holding a piece until the next owner comes along?
I`d like to ask a question on meanings and significance. I have been doing bone carving for a bit over a year. and
my 10 y/o boy has started helping me. now we want to make a pair of Toki one for him and one for me, a project to do together.
Do you have any thoughts one a way to symbolize father and son on each piece? one for father, one for the son. Or to symbolize father and son the same piece
as a way of remembering we did it together. Thanks.
I like simple. A diagonal line that carries on. A big and small koru. Size of the toki.
Thats not a bad idea. When he gets home from school, I have a go at drawing something up with him.
Its a rock dude. Its not magical, mystical or holy. However it is majestic, noble, and precious.
It is a rock, the world works in mysterious ways.
Ka pai brother love the wairua in your videos nga mihi
Nga mihi e hoa, tau ke
Hi, I recently have been having a turbulent life of drama and just things kept happening in life. I travelled to a place that gives me so much peace and I wanted a taonga that represents this serenity I been feeling while there. I am a descendant of Māori and was looking at something like bone or wood but nothing came to mind. I visited some shops, obviously talking about Tikanga behind greenstone and it's importance. So I was reluctant at first. In one shop I obviously was drawn to greenstone cabinet and before this occurred I was also talking to someone previously about a greenstones in Hokitika and a place to go one-day. I walk into this shop browsed a certain cabinet and felt to hold certain greenstones and if they were warm it was a good thing. However they were cold on touch then within a split decision I pointed to a greenstone at the back that pulled my eye to it. My intention was to bring a taonga from a place that brought peace and it's design was both Hook and koru markings within. The lady said it had been crafted in Hokitika. I was warm in my hand. I know greenstones are meant to be gifted. This one choose me by intuition.
Of course I am going to get it blessed.
would it still have the same amount of mana if you were buying it for yourself and your parent?
you probably wont see this but yeh
Mana is subjective really, buying it to connect yourself with someone else is a good reason I think that adds mana to the set. Nga mihim
loves it bruhhhh churrr
How did you do the wrapping on the shark tooth ? It looks fantastic.
It is the same lashing as on a toki, I have a video of it on my channel you find, let me know if you need the link.
@@CampbellCarving Thanks I've watched it several times and used your method on several occasions, it just looks different on the sharks tooth.
What if you make it for your self!
The same principles apply, it is about the intention and meaning you convey with it, making things for yourself have their own special energy and wairua.
Can people of non Māori decent gift pounamu?
Definitly.
Quick answer: no
That's what some believe, there are no quick answers with Te ao maori or any culture really, there are many layers of complexity, I have only scratched the surface really.
No simply no. If you’re Pakeha simply non
Thanks for that, are you saying that maori are allowed to buy it for themselves but pakeha can't? Can you explain more please? Why?
Ko au te pounamu ko te pounamu ko au
I'm maori, and don't believe in magic......buy what you want....its just a rock, it cant curse you
Your far from Maori Sir.
you don’t speak for all Māori people just so you know.
My family are a bunch of tin arses man I’m 34 and I’ve never got a pounamu gifted to me!! I never brought my own because I’m Māori and I know the tikanga maybe I’m just not worthy of one yet 😭
Always the right time and place for these things.