Can Pounamu only be gifted? This is a reasonably common idea in NZ but I’m not sure how prevalent it is in practice. I have only heard of it in regards to Pounamu.
I suspect the idea of buying Pounamu individually now with money would be very different to the way Maori would have received Pounamu traditionally.
My whole background as a maker started and is motivated by making objects I like and would want to own/wear so I’ve made all my own carvings. I also like buying things (from vegetables through to tools) from the maker/grower to be connected to the object through meeting and talking to the person that made it. So I would have no problem buying a piece for myself.
Like all things different people have other opinions. I tell people that ask me my ideas and then suggest they go with what they are comfortable with.
What do you think?
Aaron
More articles on jade carving
– Greenstone, Pounamu and Jade, what is the difference?
– Cloud fractures or cracks, what’s the difference?
– Jade carving, who do you work for?
– Hand shaped jade beads