The koru is a powerful symbol in Maori culture, representing growth, new beginnings, and the unfurling fern frond. It’s a fitting image for a taonga pounamu (treasured greenstone) carving, a piece imbued with deep meaning and cultural significance. This piece is called ‘Koru Whanau’. This particular koru whanau carving, crafted from Marsden Kawakawa pounamu, is…
This is a very special set. When I heard this story and what they wanted my heart went out to them. The father has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. This set is primarily for them as a tangible representation of his love and enduring presence after he is gone. Named He Aroha Tonutanga, which…
“Te Hononga Manawa”, our Heart Connection Set, where these Kawakawa Pounamu Toki carved tells a story of unity that binds the hearts of whānau. This unique set, embodying a parent and child’s lifelong bond, is a testament to the enduring ties that Pounamu can represent. Crafted from the same stone, these Toki pendants are a…
The art of Pounamu carving is a tradition steeped in the cultural heritage of Aotearoa (New Zealand), a practice that transforms raw greenstone into meaningful taonga (treasures). One such creation is the “Mana Taonga,” a toki (adze) that is more than a mere ornament; it is a symbol of strength, courage, and authority. The Mana…
The Ngākau Aroha set encapsulates the essence of affection and connection that is deeply rooted in the New Zealand Māori culture. From a single piece of kawa kawa Pounamu sourced from the Arahura River, these taonga – a three-centimeter heart and a five-centimeter circle with a double koru – are named to reflect the love…
This set of koru pendants, named ‘Arohanui,’ captures a son’s love for his mother. Each koru, from the same piece of hapopo pounamu, signifies their life-long bond. The koru represents new beginnings, peace, and personal growth. This set, when joined, forms a mutual embrace, showing a shared journey of a mother and son. The pendants…
Whānau Mauri, a toki of profound connection and essence, carved from the rare totoweka kawakawa pounamu, sourced from the Arahura River. This 5cm pendant is more than a piece of jewellery; it’s a tangible manifestation of the life force and unity that binds a family together. In the Māori language, “whānau” signifies family—a collective of…
I’m genuinely thrilled to present to you a set of seven distinctively carved pounamu pendants – The Mokopuna Haerenga, translating to the ‘Grandchildren’s Journey.’ This collection, commissioned by a loving pair of grandparents, is a testament to the celebration of family and a tribute to the journey each grandchild will undertake in life. Each pendant…
Within the serenity of my workshop, a tale of artistry and cultural significance unfolded as I brought to life a unique pounamu pendant, now named Wairua Taonga. Join me as we unravel the captivating narrative behind this pendant, exploring the meaning embedded within its roimata shape, koru, and pikorua symbols. Through careful carving, the roimata…
Symbolic gestures have a unique way of adding profound depth to significant milestones. Aroha Roimata, a meticulously crafted pounamu pendant, serves as an eloquent illustration of this idea. This striking piece, a large roimata fashioned from Kawakawa pounamu from the Arahura River, tells a deeply personal story. As she stands at the threshold of her…