Pounamu, the greenstone of New Zealand, isn’t simply beautiful; it carries deep significance for Māori, representing a taonga (treasure) steeped in tradition and spiritual meaning. This taonga is named “Manaaki.” It’s carved from South Westland hapopo pounamu, its 6cm form has a unique blend of curves and angles. The coolness of the stone, mirroring the…
Today, I want to share a recent creation: a tangiwai pounamu roimata, a teardrop pendant carved from a particularly beautiful piece of translucent tangiwai pounamu. Measuring just 4cm long and adorned with a sleek black lashing, this roimata is a captivating blend of delicacy and strength. The near-translucency of the pounamu allows light to dance…
The roimata, with its teardrop shape, is a deeply touching pounamu (greenstone) design. The name I’ve chosen for this piece, “Waiora”, means “life-giving water” or “healing water”, reflecting the roimata’s symbolism of support and renewal. This slender pendant, widening towards a gently curved, rounded base, feels soft and soothing despite being carved from stone. The…
Pounamu (greenstone) possesses a unique energy, a connection to the land and its history. That’s one of the reasons I love working with this precious stone, transforming it into pieces that hold meaning for those who wear them. Recently, I had the pleasure of carving a small roimata pendant – a traditional teardrop shape known…
Have you ever held a piece of pounamu and felt a connection to the land and history of Aotearoa (New Zealand)? These taonga (treasured possessions) hold stories waiting to be told, and today I’m excited to share two special pieces I carved: a toki and a roimata, both crafted from the same beautiful raukaraka pounamu,…
Deep within the embrace of Aotearoa, where the Douglas Creek flows with the wisdom of the ages, there emerges a Pounamu set that is the very essence of New Zealand’s spirit. Named Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho, meaning ‘Legacy Treasures,’ this set comprises a toki and a roimata pendant, each carved from the same slice of…
In the embrace of the West Coast’s wild beauty, the Arahura River carves its way through the land, nurturing the Kawa Kawa Pounamu with its pure waters. It is here we find Ngā Taonga Tūhono, “Treasures that Connect”, a set of pendants that embodies the convergence of Māori and Gaelic kaupapa within its carved forms….
Welcome to the serene artistry of Pounamu carving, where the celestial allure of Pipiwharauroa Inanga Pounamu takes the form of the ‘Kahurangi o te Manu’, an 8cm Roimata pendant that is as much a piece of jewelry as it is a narrative of Aotearoa’s soul. This treasured adornment mirrors the delicate beauty and resilience of…
Carving, at its core, is an intimate act of transformation and storytelling. A recent visitor to our workshop brought in two unique stones she had unearthed while fossicking. These stones, carrying the whispers of the land, have now been shaped into pendants – not just ornaments, but symbols of connection and memory. The crafting of…
The huia, a now-extinct bird that was native to New Zealand, is remembered for its striking plumage and distinctive tail feathers. In Maori culture, the huia feather is a symbol of nobility, worn traditionally by high-ranking individuals. It is a physical representation of leadership and mana (prestige). Capturing this significance, an 11cm black jade carving…