Muka Pito Pounamu Tie — Umbilical Cord Taonga

Celebrate heritage, connection, and new beginnings with our handcrafted Muka Pito Tie, delicately adorned with genuine New Zealand Pounamu (Greenstone).

Traditionally used to tie a newborn’s umbilical cord, the pito tie holds deep meaning in te ao Māori, symbolising the sacred bond between tamariki (child), whānau (family), and whenua (land).

Each piece is woven from muka - the soft, silky fibre carefully extracted from harakeke (New Zealand flax) and braided with gentle hands, intention, and care. Every strand carries the mana of traditional artistry passed down through generations.

Pounamu, treasured for its strength and spiritual protection, offers a lasting connection to the land and the life it sustains. As no two stones are alike, each tie is as unique and precious as the tamaiti (child) it honours.

When the umbilical cord naturally falls away, the muka tie can be gently cut, allowing the pounamu to be worn as a pendant — a meaningful taonga to carry through life’s journey.
A 1 mm replacement cord is available on our website for this purpose.