Koru Sculpture
This is a gorgeous deep green pounamu from South Westland, in Te Wai Pounamu, Aotearoa. Made for a family member as a piece that can be placed somewhere special.
The Koru is a shape found in much of nature. The significant place for me is in the fern frond. It is the shape the frond first takes as it emerges from the center of the plant surrounded by the mature fronds and nestled amongst other young fronds. As it grows it slowly unfurls itself as it fully matures.
For this kaupapa the koru represents protection, and symbolises the strong connection of whanau. Both those with us as well as those that have passed.
Here you can see where we started. Also the outer rind of the pounamu boulder was hard enough to incorporate into the sculpture. This gives it an authentic effect and gives us a small hint of what this piece of pounamu was before it was collected.