When I received a commission request from a gentleman in France, I knew this project would be special. He specifically chose a slice of inanga pounamu for its unique coloring and contrasting black features. The result is a beautiful pendant named Rongo Whenua, which means “Peaceful Land.” This pendant embodies protection, renewal, and a deep…
There is a unique beauty in heirlooms, especially those that are crafted with heart and carry symbolic weight. They’re not just objects, but living vessels that carry stories, traditions, and meanings, passed down through generations. Today, I want to take you on a journey to discover the exquisite beauty and profound symbolism of a Hei…
This combination piece was inspired by a carving already in existence. The idea was to create a pendant with both symbols integrated into the design. The pounamu is kawakawa totoweka from the Arahura River. Totoweka is a rare colouring found in kawakawa, it is muddy red brown that shows up really well under a light….
Such a cool thing to have to connect a father with this two sons. Pounamu from the same source shaped into a pendant each. Two Hei Matau for the sons and a large Toki for the father. This pounamu is from South Westland. Being able to see some of the process from what this pounamu…
This is a gorgeous set of Hei Matau made from Marsden Flower Jade, or Putiputi. The yellow and orange patterning in the ‘flowers’ in the pounamu that it is named for. It come from one place in New Zealand, Marsden. This set was made for a couple. It symbolises their eternal love and connectedness. They…
I am stoked with how well this wee relashing came up. It is a cool way to use this binding. This is what it looked like before the relashing.
Yes this is my first Hei Matau I have carved. It took me a long time to work out the lashing and how to shape the stone to take the lashing in a way that I was confident it would be secure. I am pretty happy with this. The lashing is a bit different to…
