Blast Shard Pounamu Taonga – Mana Taonga

Looking like a neolithic spearhead, this taonga is a blast shard from inside a blast shard. In the past, pounamu hunters would drill holes in to large pounamu boulders, set black powder within it and blow the boulders apart, shattering the rock for collection. Tim was gifted one of these larger blast shards(they are found in the awa still) and as he prised it apart at the fracture he found this smaller shard inside.

Over the year water and oxygen have crept in to the fracture oxidising this small shard piece within. This is how the white kiri(skin) was formed.  You would never find a taonga like this in ‘the wild’. Once pounamu is exposed to the elements it is worn down making a much smoother kiri. You can actually see small areas of fibres that make up the pounamu on this taonga. It is a truly unique piece.

The shape of this taonga is visually pleasing.  Tim has just barely worked the taonga, taking the very sharp off so it could be worn. It is also pleasing to the touch, a taonga perfect for the tactile wearer.

This taonga is really incredible.  100% one of a kind.

Learn more about the origins of Mana Taonga here.

• Marsden Flower Pounamu from Te Tai Poutini
• 100mm length x 40mm wide
• 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!💚