Can I Purchase Pounamu for Myself?

Can I Purchase Pounamu for Myself? Understanding the Tradition and Truth

Pounamu, or New Zealand greenstone, holds deep cultural significance for Māori. Traditionally treasured for its strength, beauty, and spiritual value, pounamu is often seen as a taonga (treasure) passed down through generations. One of the most commonly asked questions is: Can I buy pounamu for myself, or must it always be gifted?

The idea that pounamu must only be gifted has become popular in recent years, but it’s not a traditional Māori rule. In fact, historically, pounamu was often traded between iwi (tribes) and used in significant exchanges. Many Māori carvers and cultural experts, including Timoti Moran of Taonga by Timoti, emphasize that buying pounamu for yourself is not culturally wrong—as long as it's done with respect and intention.

Purchasing pounamu for yourself can be a powerful act of connection—whether to your whakapapa (ancestry), a meaningful milestone, or a personal journey. What matters most is where the stone comes from, how it is carved, and the story it carries.

Key Takeaways:

• Yes, you can purchase pounamu for yourself.

• The belief it must be gifted is a modern interpretation, not a strict traditional rule.

• Always buy pounamu that is ethically sourced and respectfully crafted.

• Whether gifted or bought, the mana (spiritual power) of pounamu lies in its meaning and intention.

When you choose pounamu—whether for yourself or someone else—you’re choosing a piece of Aotearoa's heritage. Let your reasons be grounded in respect, and the taonga will carry your story with pride.

The belief that pounamu (greenstone) should only be gifted and not sold is a topic of ongoing discussion among Māori carvers and cultural practitioners. While some uphold this tradition, others challenge it, citing historical practices and evolving perspectives.

Historical Context and Evolving Perspectives

Historically, pounamu was a highly prized commodity among Māori iwi, used for trade and as a symbol of mana (prestige) and tapu (sacredness). Carvers like Timoti Moran and Joel Marsters emphasize that pounamu was traditionally traded, and the notion that it should only be gifted may stem from modern interpretations rather than ancestral practices.

Marsters notes that this belief might have been influenced by Western marketing strategies aimed at encouraging tourists to purchase pounamu as gifts, rather than reflecting traditional Māori customs .