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Story: Pounamu – jade or greenstone

Pekapeka – necklace

Image
Pekapeka – necklace

It has been suggested that the pekapeka represents the native bat (also called pekapeka). However, it is also seen to represent two intertwined bird forms.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Reference: 1.002905

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Basil Keane, Pounamu – jade or greenstone – Implements and adornment, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/object/7687/pekapeka-necklace (accessed 13 June 2026).

Story by Basil Keane, published 2 March 2009.