Paua properties

The term paua in the Māori language refers to three species of abalone, marine gastropod mollusks belonging to the Haliotis genus and found exclusively in New Zealand. Although in Polynesian languages, paua can also refer to a type of shellfish known as the giant clam, our discussion focuses solely on the former meaning.

In Māori culture, these shells are distinguished into three distinct varieties: the paua (blackfoot paua), the queen paua (silver paua, also known as yellowfoot paua, hihiwa, or karariwha), and the virgin paua. Each of these varieties carries deep cultural and symbolic significance, reflecting the ancestral heritage and beliefs of New Zealand’s indigenous peoples.

The paua is a marvel of nature, featuring an oval-shaped shell with a subtly gray, often rough exterior marked by natural patterns that provide excellent camouflage in its marine habitat. This dull outer layer contrasts sharply with the shimmering brilliance of its inner nacre, which displays mesmerizing shades of green, blue, violet, and pink, sometimes accented with golden reflections. This captivating color palette results from the microscopic crystalline structure of aragonite in the nacre, which interacts with light to create a stunning optical effect.

However, its natural beauty alone is not enough to protect this species. Due to the growing demand for its stunning shells, paua fishing is strictly regulated and monitored to preserve its fragile populations. New Zealand law enforces strict fishing quotas and size restrictions, allowing only specimens exceeding a certain shell diameter to be harvested. Additionally, all forms of scuba-assisted diving for paua collection are prohibited to minimize human impact on this resource. Unfortunately, despite these protective measures, poaching remains a persistent threat, endangering the survival of this unique and precious mollusk.

The paua, also known as the opal of the sea due to its enchanting iridescent hues, sometimes reveals an even rarer treasure: paua pearls. These pearls form when the mollusk coats an irritant particle with successive layers of nacre, a phenomenon that is extremely rare in nature. Paua pearls stand out for their multicolored iridescence, offering a broader spectrum of hues than traditional pearl oyster pearls. Advances in aquaculture, particularly in controlled paua farming, have increased the likelihood of pearl formation, though their occurrence remains an exceptional rarity.

History, legends and beliefs about paua

The paua is far more than just a shellfish for the Māori; it is regarded as a true treasure (taonga), providing both a precious food source and a highly valued artistic material. Its delicate flesh, with its refined flavor, is not only a prized delicacy in New Zealand but also a sought-after commodity internationally, particularly in Asian markets, where it is often compared to the Japanese abalone (awabi).

Beyond its culinary importance, the paua is an essential element of Māori craftsmanship. Its shimmering nacre is traditionally used to adorn wooden carvings and ceremonial weapons. It is notably featured in whakairo (engraved wooden sculptures) and wakahuia (treasure boxes), where it symbolizes the eyes of ancestors. These luminous inlays evoke the whetū (stars) of the night sky, serving as a reminder of the benevolent presence of spirits watching over their descendants.

The paua also plays a fundamental role in the making of traditional fishing hooks, known as pa kahawai. Its iridescent reflections are believed to attract fish by mimicking the glistening flashes of marine prey. This ancestral technique showcases the ingenuity of the Māori in harmonizing with nature and sustainably utilizing marine resources.

According to a fascinating Māori legend, the paua was born without protection, vulnerable to predators and the perils of the ocean. Moved by its fragility, Tangaroa, the god of the sea, decided to grant it a shelter worthy of its beauty. He fashioned a shell infused with the deepest and most captivating hues of the ocean. His brother Tāne Mahuta, guardian of the forests, added the vibrant shades of lush vegetation, blending the green of ferns with the golden reflections of sunlight filtering through the foliage.

To complete this masterpiece, Tangaroa promised the paua a palette of shifting colors, from the ethereal purples of dawn to the enchanting pinks of dusk. But when other sea creatures discovered this divine gift, jealousy arose. They attacked the newly formed shell, shattering it into countless fragments.

Determined to preserve his creation, Tangaroa reinforced the paua's shell with successive layers of the deepest blues of the abyss, the richest greens of the forest canopies, and the golden-pink hues of the setting sun. To ensure its survival, he gave it an outer camouflage of gray and brown tones, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its rocky marine environment.

Thus adorned, the paua became the guardian of its own shell, enriching it throughout its life, layering nacre upon nacre until it formed a unique masterpiece. Only at the end of its existence, when it leaves behind an empty shell, does the full splendor of the colors it has accumulated reveal itself—an enduring testament to a life shaped by the generosity and harmony between the sea and the land.

Healing properties and benefits of the Paua

• Naturally rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and silica, paua is believed to support cellular regeneration and contribute to overall well-being.
• It is said to soothe tension and liver discomfort by aiding in the elimination of toxins and helping regulate hepatic functions.
• The shell is thought to alleviate headaches, particularly those linked to stress and nervous tension, thanks to its gentle and enveloping energy.
• Paua is associated with strengthening eye health, as its nacre is believed to enhance vision both physically and symbolically, promoting greater inner and outer clarity.
• It is known to bring calm and serenity, helping to balance emotions and dissipate anxiety. Its iridescent shimmer and shifting hues symbolize adaptability and the ability to overcome challenges with grace.
• It is also believed to encourage compassionate communication by fostering active listening and the sincere expression of emotions. Often linked to the throat chakra, it is thought to facilitate fluid and authentic speech.
• Paua is said to stimulate intuition and spiritual connection, with its iridescent colors seen as a reflection of the universe's mysteries. It is often used in meditative practices to inspire insight and heightened perception.
• Thus, paua is considered a stone of gentle transformation, aiding in navigating periods of change with peace and confidence.
• Due to its deep connection with the ocean, it is also a symbol of protection and guidance, often worn as a talisman by sailors and travelers seeking serenity on their journeys.

 

 

Paua jewelry samples