Aotearoa Stone Set – A Collector’s Sample of Taonga Stones
This was a special set of taonga, created for a collector who wanted a sample of several different stone types from Aotearoa. Each taonga is carved from a different kind of stone, representing the incredible variety and richness of our whenua. The collector wanted to showcase not just the beauty, but also the diversity of materials found across this land. Every piece in the set has its own story to tell.
Aotea Roimata with Toki Edge This piece is made from Aotea, a rare stone found only in one remote valley in South Westland. Aotea is a striking combination of Fuchsite, Kyanite, and Quartz, which gives it its vibrant blues and greens. Although often grouped with Pounamu, it is technically a distinct taonga stone. I shaped this piece as a Roimata, symbolising healing, empathy, and emotional strength, and added a cutting edge at the base in the style of a toki to connect it to action and resilience. Aotea is a stone of great mana and mauri, and it was a privilege to carve this taonga.
Tumbled Beach Jasper Pendant This pendant was created from a beach jasper pebble, fossicked by the collector from Birdlings Flat in Canterbury. Jasper is a form of chalcedony, rich in silica, and often patterned with iron or other mineral inclusions. This particular stone features swirling earth tones and a smooth, naturally tumbled surface. I kept its form largely intact, respecting the natural processes that shaped it. Its rounded form holds the peaceful energy of the sea and shore, and connects the wearer to the slow rhythms of nature.
Pounamu Toki with Natural Skin This toki is carved from a piece of Nephrite Pounamu, with one whole face left uncarved to retain the original rind or skin of the stone. This skin forms on the outside of Pounamu boulders over centuries, and is often oxidised and coloured differently from the stone within. I left it on to honour the whakapapa of the stone—a reminder of where it came from and the time it took to form. The toki shape traditionally symbolises strength, determination, and leadership, and this piece carries that with quiet grounding.
Aroha Stone Roimata with Feature Hole The next piece in the set is a Roimata made from Aroha Stone, a stone of deep purples, soft whites, and occasional pinks. This stone is not Pounamu, but it is a beautiful taonga stone native to the South Island, often associated with aroha and spiritual connection. I left the natural skin on one side, which blends seamlessly with the internal colours of the stone. The design includes a feature hole through the centre, drawing attention to the natural character of the stone and symbolising openness, clarity, and the journey inward.
Ōnewa Toki Whao from Akaroa Harbour The final piece is a Toki Whao carved from ōnewa, or basalt, sourced from the volcanic soils around Akaroa Harbour on Banks Peninsula. This dense, dark grey stone was traditionally used for tools and chisels due to its hardness and durability. The toki whao shape references adzes used in carving and construction, and symbolises craftsmanship, skill, and purpose. This taonga holds a connection to both the geological history of Te Wai Pounamu and the human stories shaped by those landscapes.
Each taonga in this set was shaped to highlight the unique characteristics of its stone while drawing on traditional forms and meanings. It was a joy to create something that honours the diversity of Aotearoa’s geological and cultural taonga, and I hope they bring the collector a deep sense of connection to this land.
