Whakatu Inanga Kapeu

Description

Stunning long kapeu earring crafted from Inanga sourced up the Aniseed Valley, Tasman. Inanga Pounamu is a New Zealand nephrite jade with a milky appearance with tones of light-olive and pearly white. Inanga jade is named after the freshwater native fish which is known to migrate from the moana (sea) to the awa (river). It is believed to carry the mauri (life force) of both the land and the people who have touched it.

Some Māori ear adornments are traditionally called “kapeu” when they are curved or have a slight bend. The kapeu was a sign of high rank and status within Māori culture and it embodied the mana (prestige and power) of the wearer. The smooth curve of the kapeu also connects it to themes of care and nurturing (aroha) within the family (whānau).