Tangaroa ā Mua – crescent moon pounamu pendant

Marama is the moon.  All Māori life – planting, harvesting, fishing working, resting, navigating and travelling – revolved (and for many still revolves) around te Marama and his phases.  Marama dictates when the new year begins and gives guidance on what the year ahead may look like.  Marama is essential to the balance of life.

This beautiful pounamu pendant represents Tangaroa ā Mua, the crescent moon of water bodies. It even has sparkly inclusions reminiscent of whetu in the night sky.

Tangaroa was one of 3 atua given control and authority over the oceans and seas alongside all creatures which inhabit these domains. Tangaroa also has whakapapa which connects him to all bodies of water throughout the world. All these bodies inherently have a connectedness with the phases and movement of the moon whether big or small.  That is why Tangaroa days are good days for fishing and all water focused activities. From here to the dark moon is also the best time for weeding.

Every iwi has its own stories about Marama.  Tim was brought up with the knowledge that Marama is both male (Marama) and female (Hina).  Just like wahine here on earth, Marama follows a monthly cycle.  Every month Marama is struck with disease and, as she begins to wane, Marama is consumed with the sickness.   When at her weakest Marama bathes in the life-giving water of Tāne.  We witness the waxing Marama as her vitality is being gradually restored.  And so Marama again begins the cycle of death to rebirth, darkness to light.

This taonga is lovey in your hands. It really has a life of its own.  A magnificent piece for the marama lover in your life.

• Tangiwai pounamu for Te Tau Ihu
• 57mm from tip to tip, 20mm 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!💚