Kaukau-matua

A celebrated greenstone (jade) ear ornament, brought to New Zealand by Ngahue. It became the property of Tama-te-kapua, then of Tuhoro, who buried it. It was afterwards found, and given by Ihengā to Hine-te-kākara, to carry to her father, Kahu. Ngātoro-i-rangi received it when he married the daughter of Ihengā.

The ornament is often mentioned in Māori poetry.

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References

Sources

  • Grey, Sir George. (1855). Polynesian Mythology. Auckland: Brett, pp. 88, 94, 95.
  • Shortland, Edward. (1882). Maori Religion and Mythology. London: Longmans Green, p. 65.
  • Tregear, Edward. (1891). Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary. Wellington: Government Printer, p. 137.