Te Ao Mārama – Ancient Kōkōtangiwai Taonga

Te Ao Mārama – the movement from nothingness and darkness to the world of light.  Māori creation stories emphasise this movement from darkness to light. Ranginui and Papatūānuku were ripped apart to allow light to enter the darkness of their embrace, thus bringing light into the world.. Papatūānuku continues this daily cycle as she follows the rhythm of sun rise and light(Te Ao) to sun set and darkness(Te Pō). It is said that the world itself is created again each morning with the sun rise.  It is a story of new life, new beginnings, new hope, every day.

This magnificent and ancient Kōkōtanigwai taonga represents this explosive and continual cycle from darkness to light, as its colour and character completely change when it is moved to allow the light to come through the back of it.  Just have a look through the photos and you’ll see what we mean.  You can actually see right into the depths of the pounamu and through it – absolutely mesmerising, don’t you agree?

Tim left the kiri, the skin, on the top and bottom edge of this taonga so you can see and feel the pounamu in its natural, raw form.  It adds extra depth to this stunning taonga.

This Pounamu is Kōkōtangiwai, often known as Tangiwai.  Kōkōtangiwai are the tears Ranginui cried when he was eternally separated from his wahine Papatūānuku, by their tamariki who wanted light in their world.  As his tears fell on to Papatūānuku they solidified into the most beautiful, transluscent pounamu called Kōkōtangiwai.   A story of a suffering that allowed humanity to thrive and beauty to erupt on the earth.  The conintued cycle of darkness to light. 

Tangiwai is found only in Aotearoa and is the most ancient type of pounamu. It is, in fact, Bowenite, with a different composition to the more common Nephrite pounamu you will find available. 

This taonga has an incredible feel to it, it’s wairua is palpable.  It is an absolutely stunning taonga with a commanding presence. And I can guarantee you and your friends will spend hours peering into its depths!

• Kōkōtangiwai pounamu from Piopiotahi.
• Length 107mm x 75mm widest point.
• A one-of-a-kind taonga by Timoti.

💚Now every taonga you purchase helps us to carve a taonga for EVERY tamariki in care in Aotearoa. You can read more about our Tū Māia project here. Ngā mihi mahana for your support of this kaupapa!💚