What is the significance of the pāua shell in crafts and jewellery, where its iridescent blue-green interior is inlaid into carvings and ornaments?

• A It represents the Southern Cross constellation
• B It is ground into powder for ceremonial face paint
• C It marks the burial site of a chief
• D The pāua shell symbolises the eyes in carved figures and is prized for its iridescent beauty ✓

Pāua (Haliotis iris) shell is used extensively in traditional and contemporary Māori art, most notably as the gleaming eyes in whakairo (carved figures), where the iridescent shell is believed to watch over and protect.