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Brooch

Unknown1890-1910

Te Papa

Te Papa
Wellington, New Zealand

This beautiful display brooch is crafted from a quality, kawakawa variety pounamu (New Zealand greenstone) and finely worked 9 carat gold in the style of the late 19th century–early 20th century period. As such, it combines the mineral most precious to Māori – pounamu – with that most precious to Europeans – gold.

The flowing gold writing reads 'Arohanui Kia Taua' and identifies the brooch as a taonga (treasure) specifically crafted as a gift. The phrase can be translated either as 'With love to grandmother' or, if Taua is a personal name, 'With love to Taua'. The word taua is commonly used by Ngai Tahu Maori in the South Island to mean grandmother or aunt.

Details

  • Title: Brooch
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: 1890-1910
  • Physical Dimensions: Overall: 40mm (width), 101mm (length), 10mm (depth), 59.8g (weight)
  • Provenance: Purchased 2008
  • Subject Keywords: Te Huringa I: 1800 - 1900, Te Huringa II: 1900 - 1950
  • Rights: All Rights Reserved
  • External Link: Te Papa Collections Online
  • Medium: 9 ct gold, pounamu
  • Registration ID: ME023878

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