1oz Silver Guardian 2024 (Type 2)

Introducing the Enhanced 1oz Silver Guardian ‘Type 2’ Round

MyGold® proudly unveils the newly reimagined 1oz Silver Guardian, a tribute to New Zealand's rich Māori culture and traditions, now with unparalleled minting precision and quality. This exquisite piece, back by popular demand, showcases our advancements in production, offering enhanced brightness, sharpness, and detail compared to its predecessor.

Collaborating once again with the esteemed Māori tattoo artist, Tūrumakina (Tū), we've elevated the Silver Guardian to new heights. The round features the majestic Tama-nui-te-rā, the Māori Sun God, on the obverse, and the protective Manaia on the reverse, symbolizing the guardianship of life in all its forms and the bridge between the mortal world and the spirit domain.

For collectors and precious metal enthusiasts, the Silver Guardian represents a seamless fusion of artistry, technology, and craftsmanship. Over two years of meticulous planning and design have culminated in this masterpiece, making it a standout addition to any collection.

Acclaimed Artist: Tūrumakina

Tūrumakina, with 19 years of dedication to the art of Ta Moko, brings an unparalleled depth of Māori ancient knowledge to his designs. His work is a celebration of spiritual wisdom and sacred consciousness, rooted in the traditions of the Tuhoe, Ngati Awa, and Ngaiterangi tribes.

A New Era in Design

The Silver Guardian's design is the result of Tū's vision to honor nature and life, transformed into 3D reality with cutting-edge technology. This round is among the rare reverse proof-like bullion coins globally, a testament to our innovative minting process that ensures exceptional quality and detail.

Featuring the Manaia, it pays respect to Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother, and Tāne-Nui-ā-Rangi, the Sky Father, embodying the creation and guardianship of life. The Silver Guardian is more than a round; it's a symbol of life's continuity and our respect for the environment.

This enhanced version of the Silver Guardian is not just a collector's item but a piece of art to be treasured and displayed. It signifies MyGold's commitment to excellence and our reverence for the stories and traditions that shape our world.

Exploring Māori Culture: A Heritage of Innovation and Tradition

The Māori people, New Zealand's indigenous inhabitants, present a rich tapestry of culture steeped in unique traditions, social practices, and profound heritage that captivates anyone with a thirst for knowledge. Originating from the eastern Polynesian islands, the Māori settled in New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa or "Land of the Long White Cloud," between 1250 and 1300 CE. Led by the navigator Kupe, utilizing ocean currents and stellar navigation, they embarked on their journey across the Pacific in waka hourua (double-hulled canoes), ultimately making landfall in Northland's Hokianga Harbour. This isolation fostered the development of a distinctive way of life, giving rise to the vibrant Māori culture we recognize today. Presently, Māori people constitute about 15 percent of New Zealand's population, with around 20 percent fluent in the native language, Te Reo Māori.

The Art of Ta Moko: More Than Just Tattoos

Among the Māori's rich traditions, Ta Moko stands out as a profound expression of cultural identity and lineage. Far from being mere tattoos, Ta Moko are intricate, permanent markings that adorn the body and face, each telling a story of ancestral roots and personal history. Historically, these markings delineated social standing, expertise, knowledge, and marital eligibility with their distinctive spiral designs and symmetrical elegance.

Traditionally, Ta Moko was applied not by puncturing the skin, but by carving it with uhi (chisels), creating a textured finish. This method used tools made from teeth or bone, along with pigments derived from burning kahikatea (white pine), to produce tattoos with a unique, scarred aesthetic. While modern Ta Moko is often applied with tattoo machines, some artists continue to use traditional hand tools, preserving the connection to their heritage.

This glimpse into Māori culture highlights a community deeply connected to its past, yet evolving with the times. The Māori people's commitment to preserving their traditions while embracing modernity offers a compelling narrative of resilience and cultural pride.