Manawa Riri – Pakohe

This striking breastplate pendant, named Manawa Riri (Heart of Courage or Fighting Spirit), is carved from a beautiful piece of light grey pakohe, sourced from the Nelson region. Pakohe, or argillite, is a fine-grained mudstone highly prized by Māori for its durability and ability to take a sharp edge. This name reflects the strength of the material and its historical use by Māori for tools and weapons. The light grey pakohe is a beautiful material to work with. The carving is simple and elegant, and it reflects the natural beauty of the stone. This breastplate pendant is a contemporary take on a traditional taonga form. The pendant is 6cm high by 7cm wide and has a ringbolt lashing across the top.

In pre-European times, pakohe was widely used alongside pounamu (greenstone) for tools, weapons, and ornaments. It was particularly favored for making toki (adzes), which were essential tools for woodworking, canoe building, and fighting. Pakohe toki were often highly decorated, and they were seen as valuable taonga (treasured possessions).

Alongside pounamu (greenstone), pakohe is one of the most important taonga materials for Māori. Both materials were highly valued for their strength, durability, and beauty. They were often used to make taonga that were passed down through generations, and they were seen as embodying the mana (prestige) of the ancestors.

This breastplate pendant is a unique and special piece that would be a treasured taonga for any wearer.