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…
Discover the enchanting beauty of the Roimata pendant, a treasure from the heart of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Crafted from Pounamu, also known as greenstone or New Zealand jade, this pendant is not just a piece of jewelry but a taonga, a cherished possession with deep cultural significance. The Roimata shape, characterized by its elongated form,…
In the hands of a carver, Pounamu is transformed into more than just an adornment; it becomes a narrative etched in stone, a tangible representation of family bonds and shared stories. This narrative is told through the ‘Whānau Tūhono’ set, a collection of Pounamu pendants specially carved for a family, embodying their unity and individual…
This pair of Pounamu pendants, named Te Hononga Pūmau, is a tribute to family and shared paths. They’re each 7cm, a toki for strength, a roimata for comfort, carved from the same stone. This isn’t just about wearing art. It’s about carrying a piece of a collective soul, bound by three curved lines that tell…
The name “Whānau Kōtuitui” paints a vivid picture. Meaning “Family Binding”, it captures the soul of this collection. Pounamu is so intrinsically linked to our land, its people, and their ancestry that it moves beyond mere aesthetics to become a taonga (treasure) with profound meaning. This is the wairua of pounamu, more commonly known to…
In the rich tapestry of New Zealand’s cultural and natural wonders, Pounamu, or greenstone, shines as a beacon of spiritual connection and heritage. Today, we journey into the story of a unique Pounamu piece, christened “Haemata Aroha.” Translated, the name means “Love in the Dawn.” It is a Roimata carved from the evocative deep green…
Today, we introduce the “Wairua Kapua” – a pendant carved from the delicate hues of Inanga pounamu. The name “Wairua Kapua” translates to “spiritual reflection of one’s emotions,” perfectly capturing the essence of this pendant. The teardrop shape, known as a roimata, is a powerful symbol in Māori culture. It represents not just tears of…
When one beholds a handcrafted piece of pounamu, also known as New Zealand jade or greenstone, its depth, history, and cultural significance are immediately evident. Named “Whakapapa Arohanui,” this particular set embodies more than just the majestic aura of Raukaraka pounamu and its vivid hues of orange, yellow, and pale green. “Whakapapa Arohanui” translates to…