Aroha Stone Roimata

I recently completed a very special taonga for my wife – a 5cm long Roimata, crafted from Aroha Stone. This piece holds deep significance not only because of the stone but because of the connection it symbolises. The Aroha Stone I used features stunning shades of deep purples and pinks through to whites, capturing the depth and complexity of emotions that flow through our lives.

The Roimata shape is a traditional Māori design, symbolising the flow of tears. It represents healing, comfort, and the idea of shared grief and love. For me, carving a Roimata is always a powerful experience, as it feels like I’m creating something that speaks directly to the heart. In this piece, the Roimata shape reflects the emotional strength and resilience my wife embodies.

Aroha Stone itself is a beautiful stone from Aotearoa, known for its vibrant colours and the way it seems to glow from within. It’s a stone that symbolises love and connection, which is why it felt perfect for this piece. What makes this Roimata unique is the large hole at the top, where I used a custom white bar lashing. This lashing style sets off the entire piece, giving it a distinctive look that complements the stone’s natural beauty. The curves and lines of the Roimata combined with the colours make this piece truly special, both as a work of art and as a deeply personal expression of love.

This taonga is now a part of our story, one that connects us not only to each other but to the land and traditions of Aotearoa.