Poutama Drop Earrings (Small) | Māori Woven Earrings

Handcrafted Māori poutama drop earrings, made in Aotearoa New Zealand — available in 12 colours.

He tohu whakapapa, he tohu mātauranga — a symbol of lineage, a symbol of knowledge.

Inspired by the poutama, the sacred staircase pattern of tukutuku and raranga, these taonga carry the story of Tāne Mahuta’s ascent through Ngā Rangi Tūhāhā — the twelve separated heavens — to retrieve Ngā Kete o te Wānanga, the three baskets of cosmic knowledge gifted to humanity by Io-matua-kore, the supreme creator.

In traditional Māori cosmology, the journey through the twelve heavens is carried by black — representing Te Kore, the great void and primordial darkness — and white, representing light, purity, and the twelve white-tipped tail feathers of the sacred Manutea (Huia), each feather marking one of the twelve rangi Tāne ascended:

1. Rangitoka — clouds, rain, and winds
2. Rangitauwhiro — lower cloud formations and mist
3. Rangimarama — the realm of light and spirits
4. Rangitemawhai — the stars and cosmic light
5. Rangimataura — the red glow of dawn
6. Rangitete — early morning light and stars
7. Rangitahu — where light begins to intensify
8. Ranginui-ka-mura — the brilliant, burning heaven
9. Rangiparauri — the deep blue cosmic heaven
10. Rangiwairua — the realm of pure spirits
11. Ranginaonao-ariki — the entrance to the supreme realm
12. Tikitiki-o-rangi — the highest heaven, dwelling place of Io

Tāne’s ascent was fiercely opposed by his brother Whiro, who sent swarms of insects, reptiles, and birds to stop him. Tāne called upon the Awhiorangi — a sacred adze — and the winds of the Apa to create a great whirlwind, propelling himself upward. Upon reaching Tikitiki-o-rangi, the Whatukura and Māreikura — the divine celestial guardians — purified him in the sacred waters of Wai-o-Rongo before he stood before Io.

Io granted Tāne three baskets of knowledge and two sacred stones — Hukatai (ocean foam, tangible knowledge) and Rehutai (sea mist, inner wisdom) — which Tāne brought back to Earth and placed within the first Whare Wānanga, the house of higher learning.

These Māori earrings are offered in twelve tae (colours), one for each rangi Tāne climbed. Each pair is handwoven from synthetic weave with metal hooks colour-matched to complement — ranging from yellow gold, rose gold, and silver to rustic and copper/bronze finishes. Lightweight and eye-catching, they are perfect for everyday wear or special occasions, and make a meaningful NZ gift.

Made with aroha in Aotearoa New Zealand by Māori Ora.