This hei pounamu, or greenstone pendant, is a celebrated Ngāi Tahu taoka (treasure). It was found near Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere in 1938, so could have belonged to a chiefly person from around here.

The hei is not only a stunningly beautiful stone. It is also a marvel of Ngāi Tahu artistry in its making. It was an icon of the exhibition Te Māori that displayed the art of iwi Māori across the world and around Aotearoa in the 1980s.

The ornament is several hundred years old, shaped like a matau, or fishhook. But its porotaka (rounded) form could also suggest a bird. It is thought to symbolise knowledge, made to adorn a tohuka, a person of special qualities and expertise.

We are privileged to welcome this wonder of te ao Māori to its home area again.

On display

Porotaka hei matau (rounded hook-like pendant) 1500–1800
Made of pounamu (greenstone) by an unknown artist

On loan from Te Taumutu Runanga and Canterbury Museum (E138.325)

Poster for: Te Maori Te hokinga mai – the return home, featuring this hei pounamu, Robert McDougall Art Gallery, Christchurch, March 15–May 17, 1987.

Auckland War Memorial Museum (EPH-PT-7-106)