Thank you for that. The moment I read your, a little light bulb of shame went off inside my head. Given Maori passion for jade (pounamu), it's such an obvious connection but I never even thought about it. I had always been mystified about why China thought there was value in entertaining so many Maori business missions over the years - I mean ... sure fish and farming but it's not high value or culturally significant. Jade is both. This is why I treasure GAW, you never know when you are going to see another bit of the puzzle fall into place
The Maori's run the Jade trade to China, that is worth a great deal, NZ jade is seen as inferior in China but its still good money.
Thank you for that. The moment I read your, a little light bulb of shame went off inside my head. Given Maori passion for jade (pounamu), it's such an obvious connection but I never even thought about it. I had always been mystified about why China thought there was value in entertaining so many Maori business missions over the years - I mean ... sure fish and farming but it's not high value or culturally significant. Jade is both. This is why I treasure GAW, you never know when you are going to see another bit of the puzzle fall into place