Putiputi Breastplate

The Breastplate is 60mm long and 32mm high.

This breastplate is carved from pounamu we have collected from the Marsden Valley in the Paroa area just outside of Greymouth on the West Coast of the South Island.  It is the Putiputi Pounamu - The 'Marsden Flower Jade' and is called this because of the unique golden, yellow, orange and creamy colours in the stone (the flower) which is found in the Marsden Area. 

This Breastplate has the traditional ridge knot binding along the top.  The ridge knot binding was one of the bindings used by the Maori to attach the Pounamu to wooden or bone handles to use as tools or weapons. 

The Breastplate has a waxed nylon cord so the pendant can be worn ALL the time - even in any kind of water.  It is four strands or cord that have been hand platted into a special, round 4-plait. It is extremely strong and made to be worn all the time. The cord is adjustable by pinching the special knots between your thumb and finger and pulling.  

Pendant Meaning :  The Breastplate gives the wearer strength and protects them on their journey through life.

This Breastplate also has the Koru which represents the new shoots of the fern plant opening.  It symbolises growth, harmony and new beginnings.  It was also used to represent the family as a whole, an individual, your journey through life, an important event, time, place, achievement or accomplishment in ones life.  It is up to you what this Koru represents for you.